Jefferson, Gower Girls Volleyball Raise $2,000 for Volley for the Cure

UPDATE: Troy Johnson, Jefferson Jr. High varsity girls volleyball coach, said the two teams raised almost $2,000 after proceeds were counted from the bake sale and other donations made on Tuesday.

The Jefferson Jr. High and Gower Middle School girls volleyball teams raised almost $2,000 at their first annual Volley for the Cure game Tuesday night.

The Jefferson girls volleyball teams, both varsity and junior varsity, raised $1,136 from Monday, Sept. 27, to the game on Oct. 5. Varsity Volleyball Coach Troy Johnson said support came from the school's students, families and staff.

"Several of the teachers and administrators donated significant amounts of money," Johnson said. "A significant amount was also raised by the families and friends of the kids. The kids gave quarters, dollars – whatever they had on them."

Volley for the Cure began in Ohio in 2006 when two rival high school volleyball teams decided to work together to support the fight against breast cancer. While the event has caught on at the high school level, Jefferson and Gower are two of the first junior high or middle schools to participate in the event.

The two teams wore pink shirts and played with a pink volleyball. Gower held a bake sale and sold water and pink bracelets. At times, fans were encouraged to donate $1 for each volley before a point was scored. All donations will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Johnson said the support the team received from Jefferson wasn't just monetary.

"It was very exciting to see how into it the students and administrators were," he said. "It was amazing to see how full of pink the school was. Even the boys were wearing pink bracelets."

Sam Kovac, a manager for the Jefferson girls volleyball teams, said the girls didn't realize so much money had been raised.

"We were really surprised and excited," she said.

Debbie Bailey, Gower's varsity volleyball coach, said the school had raised about $300 with a bake sale that took place during school as well as at the game.

"The girls have totally enjoyed it," Bailey said. "It's a way to continue to raise awareness. It's something the girls have ownership of."

Johnson said the event was planned to offer the girls an opportunity to focus on an issue that affects millions of women in the United States. The event hit close to home for Debra Schulz, of Lisle. Her daughter, Hayley, plays on the Jefferson junior varsity volleyball team.

"I have cancer," Schulz said. "It's a way for them to give back. It's not just about playing a game. It's contributing to the school and contributing as a team."

Amanda Smurawski, of Oak Brook, said her family raised about $100 for the event. Her sister, Amy Smurawski, is the junior varsity volleyball coach for Jefferson.

"I just think it's an important cause," Smurawski said. "It's an issue that affects so many people that needs to be address and recognized."

The game itself

Gower won both the junior varsity and varsity games, but Jefferson held its own. The Jefferson varsity volleyball team lost their matches 25-11 and 25-21.

The junior varsity game went to three matches. Gower won the first 25-16, Jefferson won the second 25-23 and Gower won the game 15-9.