By Eliza Souers

The Lee University Lady Flames volleyball team will host the 14th annual Volley for a Cure as part of Lee’s Homecoming celebrations. The Lady Flames will face off against University of Montevallo on Friday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. in the Paul Dana Walker Arena.

The event’s goal is to help raise awareness for breast cancer and raise money for the MaryEllen Locher Scholarship Fund at CHI Memorial Foundation, a college scholarship program for children who have either lost a parent to breast cancer, have a parent who is a breast cancer survivor, or have a parent who is currently in treatment. This year, the fundraising goal is $15,000.

“I am so excited to be a part of my first Volley for a Cure match here at Lee University,” said Callie Murphy, volleyball head coach. “It has been a huge success in the past, and we are praying for it to be even bigger this year with including local high schools as well in the T-shirt sales!”

To raise money, the volleyball team is selling pink “Spread the Hope” T-shirts. They are $10, and 100% of the profits will go to the MaryEllen Locher Scholarship Fund. T-shirts are available now for purchase at many locations around Cleveland, such as the Cleveland Daily Banner, Southeast Bank, and Plastic Surgery Clinic of Cleveland, and also through any member of Lee’s volleyball program.

“I think it will be a great addition to Homecoming weekend to come and support such an amazing cause at our last home weekend of the season,” said Murphy. “We would love to see everyone wear the pink shirts to the game .”

The annual Volley for a Cure luncheon will take place on Thursday, Nov. 4, at 11:30 a.m. at the DeVos Rec Center on campus. It is free for survivors, $20 for attendees, and $300 for table sponsors. Stephanie Taylor, cancer survivor and executive assistant to Lee’s chancellor, is keynote speaker for the event, and Lee student Jayliene Bonilla will sing.

For more information about Volley for a Cure or to make a contribution, contact Coach Andrea Hudson at (423) 614-8453 or [email protected].

For more information about the MaryEllen Locher Foundation or to help, visit https://www.memorial.org/en/chi-memorial-foundation/mel-scholar.html.

For more information about homecoming, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lee-university-homecoming-2021-tickets-170073483367.