Something To Be Thankful For: NFCA Members Raise Over $500,000 For StrikeOut Cancer Initiative

In this week of Thanksgiving, we offer our appreciation and gratitude to those who are helping others… great news out of Louisville, Kentucky today–the headquarters of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) as it was announced that softball players, coaches and teams at all levels have raised over a half-million dollars to battle cancer.

Here’s the release from the NFCA detailing the teams and organizations that helped contribute to the initiative.

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NFCA members have once again banded together in the fight against cancer, raising over $500,000 in support of the Association and American Cancer Society’s annual StrikeOut Cancer initiative.

The University of Michigan was the top fundraiser overall, collecting $163,161. The Wolverines’ efforts coincide with their annual Michigan Softball Academy. Growing significantly each year in the fight against cancer, the Softball Academy is a combination of an adults-only softball clinic at the university’s Wilpon Complex and a silent auction at the Junge Family Champions Center.

Since partnering with the American Cancer Society and its Making Strides Against Breast Cancer effort in 2007, head coach Carol Hutchins and her Wolverines have raised over $1 million to support breast cancer research and outreach, becoming the first women’s collegiate team to reach that mark.

Following Michigan is travel ball organization Virginia Glory, which raised $81,000. Also reaching the five-figure fundraising mark were LSU ($72,000.01 / NCAA DI), Notre Dame ($48,171 / NCAA DI), Virginia Wesleyan ($28,620 / NCAA DIII) and William Peace ($15,000 / NCAA DIII).

Lee University raised $7,711 to top NCAA Division II, while Oklahoma Wesleyan ($2,051.57 / NAIA), Indian Hills CC ($2,000 / two-year colleges) and Martin Luther High School ($4,800) led their respective membership categories.

Numerous other schools either raised money or awareness by hosting a single event or by coordinating a season-long campaign to battle cancer. The schools that registered with the NFCA earlier this season were entitled to a special package of StrikeOut Cancer items, which included NFCA Strikeout Cancer eye black sponsored by EyeBlack.com, to assist them with organizing a fundraising activity.

The winners receive pink Louisville Slugger bats, donated by Louisville’s parent company Wilson Sporting Goods, Inc.

• Overall – University of Michigan – $163,161.00 (Carol Hutchins)
• NCAA Division I – Louisiana State University – $72,000.01 (Beth Torina)
• NCAA Division II – Lee University – $7,711.00 (Emily Russell)
• NCAA Division III – Virginia Wesleyan University – $28,620.00 (Brandon Elliott)
• NAIA – Oklahoma Wesleyan University – $2051.57 (Caty Reeves)
• Two-Year College – Indian Hills Community College – $2,000.00 (Laura North)
• High School – Martin Luther High School – $4,800.00 (John Oothoudt)
• Travel Ball/Youth – VA Glory – $81,000.00 (Suzy Willemssen)