KSC raises money with ‘White Out’

While the women may have been the only successful athletic team during the White Out of Spaulding Gymnasium on Tuesday, Feb. 16, the team behind the White Out can also brag about their accomplishments. The 2010 White Out tip off, in collaboration with the Kay Yow Breast Cancer Fund, raised $295 with donations from the Keene community.

First year assistant sports information director John Napolitano took charge of getting the White Out event in order. Napolitano said it’s been a tough year for getting large crowds to basketball games, so he hoped this event would get a great audience to support a great cause.

Students with a KSC student ID were given a free “White Out” shirt, however donations were suggested to benefit the cause of breast cancer.

“We ordered 600 shirts,” Napolitano said. “Three-hundred to pass out at the woman’s game, and three-hundred to pass out at the men’s game.”

“Trying to raise money and get kids here was our aim. It’s great the girls basketball team showed support by wearing pink for the breast cancer fund.” Napolitano said.

KSC senior and President of Social Activities Council Anthony Cipolla agreed.

“I think it’s awesome that we have raised $300 in donations,” Cipolla said. “Breast cancer is a big issue in the world today and it’s really important we do all that we can.”

Moreover, Cipolla said the White Out game is a fantastic experience for KSC students and he admires the fans, players and supporters for the college community.

During the half time ceremony of the men’s game, the dance team entertained the audience and awards were given out to fall athletes who were honored for their excellence.

Junior co-captain of the dance team Renee Giardina said she was excited about the great turnout.

“The White Out game was one of the most exciting times for us besides midnight madness because the crowd is so supportive and pumped up,” Giardina said.

The White Out success left audience members happy not only because they received a free shirt, but because they made a difference.

“This is my first White Out experience and I really enjoyed it.  It was very upbeat,” freshman Cristina Cappucci said.

Cappucci also said she thought it was great that KSC benefited such an important cause.

“I thought it was really entertaining,” freshman Amelia Armstrong said, “not just because we were playing Plymouth State, but we have a very energetic crowd and that shows a lot of support for our teams.”

Junior Andrew Davis said he thought the event was very exciting and he really enjoyed both games.

“It’s great that our student body can support the basketball teams, while donating money to an important foundation,” Davis finished

While men’s basketball team lost their game, the players were still able to take a positive experience from the night with all the donations.

“The team is upset about losing to Plymouth,” men’s team member freshman Orlando Zayas said, “but we had a great crowd here to support us, and we’ll get em next year.”

While it was only as successful night for the women’s team, as far as game results, the real victor of the night was the Keene community. Raising nearly $300 dollars is no small feat and the community should be commended for their efforts.

Kristyn Bellino can be contacted at kbellino@keeneequinox.com