“Go Gold!” represents an international awareness and fundraising campaign for childhood cancer. It emphasizes the need for more research and support for children and families affected by the disease. In an effort to spread awareness and show their support, the Silver Spurs will be “Going Gold” in September, for Childhood Cancer Awareness month.
“By bringing the ‘Go Gold!’ movement to our campus, we are bringing awareness to our students and community to help them understand the impact while also providing real support for Children receiving cancer treatment,” Head Drill Team Director Alexandria Thomas said. “We hope these events not only raise funds to support Cooks Oncology, but that it also inspires our students and community to come together for a cause bigger than ourselves.”
They are selling shirts through the month of September with 100% of all funds going to Cooks Children Oncology. Shirts purchased before Aug. 27 will arrive in time for the “Gold Out” pep rally and football game on Sept. 5. The Spurs will also sell bracelets and ribbons for students to wear during the “Gold Out” events.
“We knew we did not have a lot of time – but we knew that the T-shirts would show outward support to our community and give the community the opportunity to partner with us,” Coach Thomas said. “It has been quick and I think with the things we learned this year, our plan is to make this bigger and join other campuses and even districts to make this initiative even larger.”
Senior Karsyn Eubank battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of five. Her experience with cancer allows her to connect with the meaning of this project. She looks forward to performing at the pep rally as it kicks off her first year as a Silver Spur.
“It’s encouraging because I know firsthand why we’re doing this and what the cause is going to,” Eubank said. “So I can be more of a leader in the project.”
Eubank’s mother, Wendy Eubank, serves as the Community Partner and Fundraising Coordinator for Cooks Children. She connected the Spurs to necessary contacts and set up their fundraising events. Her partnership allowed for direct communication and efficient planning.
“This all came together pretty quickly,” Coach Thomas said. “Wendy Eubank has been an awesome partner in this. She did not hesitate to step in right away to help us get started.”
To widen the outreach of this project, the Silver Spurs coordinated with Student Council and cheer to plan a pep rally. Student Council will create posters and help advertise the event and cheer will perform at the pep rally. With gold pom poms in hand, drill team hopes to encourage student participation in this movement.
“We hope that by starting a Gold Out this year, for the years to come we are able to get our student body more engaged with the cause,” Coach Thomas said. “I think by my dancers being vocal about it on social media and with the help of our Student Council and Cheer Team, we are doing our best to lead by example and hopefully others will follow suit.”
