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Elkins Middle School students raise funds in Pink Out game

ELKINS — The Elkins Middle School boys soccer team went head-to-head Thursday with the EMS girls team and the winner was the battle to cure cancer.

The two teams played each other in the annual Pink Out game, which raises money for the Davis House.

Davis Health System Foundation Assistant Jennie Raines said the Pink Out event started in 2010.

“The Foundation has been involved with the Pink Out Game since 2010. The Elkins Middle School has donated money from the event to the Davis House and the patient assistance fund since then, and all together, they have raised and donated more than $7,000 since then. Mountain Valley Bank helps sponsor the Pink Out Game,” Raines said.

During the Pink Out game the teams wear pink and the funds raised are donated to the Davis Health System Foundation for the Davis House and patient assistance fund.

“The money the students raise helps those taking treatment at the Cancer Care Center,” Raines said. “We use the funds to help by purchasing gasoline cards, medications, wigs and anything they need, like Ensure. We help with transportation and other needs.”

Raines said in 2013, the cancer patient fund supplied $5,000 for cancer patients and in 2014, they spent $7,000. In 2015, the cancer patient fund spent $15,000 on patient needs.

“The needs are increasing,” Raines said. “So far this year, we have spent $10,000. The Davis House opened in 2012 and has six suites, and that helps patients who are taking treatment so they do not have to drive back and forth each day. As of right now this year, we have served 47 patients – some of them stay more than one night. Cancer patients will stay weeks at a time.”

EMS girls soccer coach Sarah Ware said this is the seventh year for the Pink Out.

“The boys face off with the girls. It is a fun, relaxed game and the parents donate some raffle items and some local businesses donated raffle items. It’s a fun event that has grown every year. The band is involved and the cheerleaders support us,” Ware said. “The event began when the boys wanted to have a pink game. It was player-driven – we just facilitate it.”

Hannah Phillips, an eighth-grade student at EMS, said the Pink Out is fun and the students really get into the spirit of raising funds for cancer. Hannah is the daughter of Junior and Peggy Phillips.

“We all wear pink and it’s a fun activity. It’s something soccer gets to do that no one else gets to do. We try to get everyone to participate because it’s fun to get on the field and have a good time.” Hannah said.

Brian Elliott, coach of the EMS boys soccer team, said the boys are really interested in the Pink Out event.

“They are not going to hold back and will play to the best of their ability,” Elliott said. “The real winners are the cancer patients.”

Jaemasun Reams, an eighth-grader at EMS, said he and his fellow students want to help those fighting cancer.

“We like to help others in the community,” Jaemasun said. “We beat the girls last year but it will be harder this year.”

Jaemasun is the son of Bobby and Questie Reams.

Raines said the Davis Health Foundation is very grateful for the donation and the help of the students.

“The youth in our community are so giving,” Raines said. “We mentor high school senior projects all the time and others come to us when they need community service. We have Jillian Barnett, who raises money selling pink lemonade and helped us with an elevator in the Davis House.”

“Our adults need to be proud of the youth in our community,” she said.

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