Got your attention?
The American Cancer Society and the University of Michigan Softball team have partnered for the past 13 years and raised $1,396,498 to support eradicating breast cancer.
Fun fact: The Michigan softball team is one of the top (if not the top) collegiate teams across any sport to raise money for a cause.
As a member of the academy planning committee and team captain (Shenanigans and Shemammorgrams is my team’s name, to which we won Most Creative Name two years in a row) for the past seven years, I am intimately involved in this tremendously special event to support a cause near and dear to my heart.
It’s true, the 300+ participants have a blast at the event (just check out these pictures) – but – no one – ever loses sight of why we are there or our purpose.
We start the afternoon with an on-field academy of softball drills run by the Michigan softball players. Academy participants learn how to hit, pitch, and slide (yes, I said slide).
After the on-field session concludes, we attend a social mixer where participants enjoy a meal and hear from an honorary guest who has either succeeded in her or is currently battling cancer. The social mixer is full of opportunities to donate, including a wine pull and a silent auction full of signed Michigan Athletics memorabilia.
This year was especially emotional for my wife and me because it marked our first, where we no longer played for one of our dearest friends, Gwyneth. In August of 2021, her battle with metastatic breast cancer ended after six long, hard years. So, in 2022, we play to honor her legacy.
If you would like to donate to the American Cancer Society, you can do so here and add my team name: Shenanigans and Shemammorgrams.
Making a difference within the community
As I reflect on my experience, I feel very fortunate to work for a healthcare marketing agency like Clarity Quest that supports my interest in giving back to the community and who gives me paid time off to participate.
