Palatine, Fremd Volley for the Cure

The girls volleyball programs from Palatine High School and Fremd High School are teaming up Thursday, Oct. 1, to Paint the Gym Pink in the fight against breast cancer.

The crosstown rivals will come together as one community to help raise funds to find a cure for breast cancer. The third annual Volley for the Cure event will include matches between the various team levels, raffles, a bake sale and community spirit.

The Palatine High School Pirates will play host at 1111 N. Rohlwing Road. The Junior Varsity, Freshman A and Freshman B teams will play at 5 p.m., followed by the Varsity and Sophomore teams at 6 p.m.

"We know so many people who have been affected by this disease both near and far, we wanted to use October, the breast cancer awareness month, to hold such a large event," said Joyce Richardson, assistant girls volleyball coach at Palatine High School.

"We are hoping that the Palatine volleyball community represented by Fremd and Palatine High Schools and their fans will rally to raise money to help find a cure."

This year's event holds special meaning, as Kari Janz, a member of the Fremd volleyball family, recently lost her battle with cancer. Janz and Richardson both had post college careers with USA Volleyball and many of their friends and teammates are planning to attend the event.

Jo Gamroth, whose daughter, Jackie Reimann, played for Palatine, and whose family was close friends with Janz, will be donating two spirit-themed baskets with handmade blankets in Palatine and Fremd colors.

Admission is $2; free for students. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Shirts are being sold through Waist Up in Palatine (www.waistup.com/vol­ley_for_the_cure), with half the fee going to the fundraiser. Palatine will be wearing dark pink and Fremd will be wearing light pink.

For information, contact Joyce Richardson at jrichardson@d211.org.