'Pink Out' soccer event to raise money for mammograms

Watch a soccer game, have some coffee and schedule a mammogram. Support breast cancer awareness at Northwest Community Healthcare by attending the Pink Out Soccer Event hosted by Elite Soccer Community Organization at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at Rolling Meadows High School, 2901 Central Road, in Rolling Meadows.

Elite Soccer Community Organization is raising funds now through Oct. 28, the day of the big game, by working with donor partners and selling pink bracelets and other accessories to benefit the Northwest Community Healthcare Foundation's Gift-a-Mammogram Program.

"These fundraisers are all building up to our Pink Out game, where we will have our National Premier League (U-19 girls) playing against the Chicago Rush," says Jay Casaletto, executive director for Elite Soccer Community Organization, based in Arlington Heights.

"This has always been a fairly big event within our group and Elite Soccer."

Elite Soccer Community Organization has donated funds for mammograms for the past several years and gave $2,500 to Northwest Community Healthcare last October.

"Northwest Community Healthcare Foundation is grateful for this continued partnership," says Dave Ungurean, executive director of the Northwest Community Healthcare Foundation."

"It is such a special cause, but made so much more special because youth are involved in making it happen. Elite Soccer Community Organization does incredible work instilling awareness, empathy and a sense of community in these kids. It is inspiring."

Elite Soccer Community Organization believes in giving back to the community, and helping Northwest Community Healthcare is just one of many nonprofits it has helped to make a difference.

"When you look at the statistics of breast cancer, it impacts many within our own little community," Casaletto says.

"This was something we found near and dear to our hearts. There are a few moms in the organization who are currently battling it."

Northwest Community Healthcare is excited to partner with Elite Soccer Community Organization to get the word out about breast cancer awareness and will be bringing its new "Braista" coffee cart to the game, offering free, cold brew coffee, plus an opportunity to sign up for an annual mammogram.

Those attending the game are encouraged to wear pink by visiting the Elite Soccer Community Organization website to purchase jerseys, bracelets, headbands and shoelaces.

"The players wear these pink accessories during the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month," Casaletto says. "We donate the proceeds from these items to the Northwest Community Healthcare Foundation."

Elite Soccer Community Organization is seeking sponsors who would like to donate to the cause.

At halftime, breast cancer survivors will be invited down to the field to be honored. At that time, Elite Soccer Community Organization will present a check to Northwest Community Healthcare.

In addition to watching the soccer game, DJ "Flipside" from B96 96.3 FM will be spinning his hits before the game and at halftime, and kids will be able to participate in activities led by the soccer youth leadership. A raffle also is planned.

To donate, visit elitesoccercommunity.org.

Learn more about the Northwest Community Healthcare Foundation at nch.org/about-nch/nch-foundation.

Visit nch.org/breasthealth to schedule a mammogram at one of several convenient locations.

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