Over the last several years, several St. Dominic teams have picked up a fundraiser that is special to each of their communities. Cure for Carson, Footprints and the Pink Out Game fall one after the other in a matter of three days in the 2022 season. 

The first benefit game to take place is the girls varsity volleyball Cure for Carson match. This year marks their eighth season playing for this amazing fundraiser. It all started when one of the feeder team members’ brother was diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome. 

“We wanted to support their family during these tough times, and they wanted to raise awareness and also raise funds for a Cure,” varsity player Ella Bland said. 

Sanfilippo Syndrome is a progressive disorder that affects the brain and is caused by a lack of enzymes. Symptoms may include delayed speech, behavioral problems and developmental regression. Carson’s family has become a huge part of the St. Dominic volleyball program over the past eight years. Coach Bland teaches her players to be active in helping others, especially during this time of the season. 

“When God has blessed you with a talent and you can use that talent for greater good you should.  We hope that we are helping the Burroughs raise awareness and funds, while also teaching our players to help others and use their talents for God’s work,” Coach Bland said.

The next game to take place is the tenth annual Footprints Soccer Match. This fundraiser supports the SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Footprints Program. All of the money that is raised goes to the program that is dedicated to children with pediatric cancer. 

About eleven years ago, St. Dominic and Ursuline Academy joined forces to support this cause. As soon as their head Coach, Anne Beekman, asked Coach Koeller he immediately said yes. However, the event soon became more than just a soccer game. 

“I did not know at the time that Coach Beekman’s sister, Mary Alonso, worked at Cardinal Glennon along with my wife, Marsha. Both tragically succumbed to cancer,” Coach Koeller said. 

By joining with Ursuline, Coach Koeller was able to keep a very special place of memory for his wife. This opportunity also gave each of his daughters the ability to participate in keeping their mom’s legacy alive. About a year ago, Keoller switched the event in the fall, where CBC was ecstatic to join St. Dominic in this event. 

“With both school communities generously participating in this event, it becomes a true community outreach effort. All the participating players deepen their faith and understanding of hope,  mercy, and charity,” Coach Koeller said. 

The last game of the week concludes with the annual Pink Out football game. Each year, St. Dominic’s CRU club designs a shirt for students to buy and wear at the game. CRU is an acronym for Christ Renews Us, and it is a club here at St. Dominic that focuses on the Christian outreach to those in need. All proceeds go to breast cancer resources. Once Mrs. Johnson took over CRU, she knew she had to continue this tradition. 

“I think it is good for the whole school to participate because we are all affected by cancer. Anything we can do to support those who are battling cancer, especially breast cancer, and support positive treatments, we all benefit. We all share in the pain of cancer, and we need to be sure no one feels they have to battle this alone,” Mrs. Johnson said. 

CRU and the Outreach Club have joined forces this year. They have graciously organized a bake sale to raise more funds to add to the amount of money CRU has raised.  Make sure to come out to all games to show support for each fundraiser and St. Dominic athletes this week!