Murray State University Athletics
Swinging To Eliminate Cancer Aims Sights To Help Murray State Family
10/19/2009 1:15:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
2009 Total Donations: $3,678.75
For the second straight season the Murray State volleyball team will be hosting Swinging To Eliminate Cancer, a fundraiser to help those effected by cancer. But this season the team will be raising money to help closer to home, as all the funds raised will go to Ashley's Angels, a donation account set up to help the Gesler Family of Murray, Ky.
Ashley Gesler, the wife of David Gesler an Associate Professor in the Department of Organizational Communication at Murray State, was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2009. The couple has four children: Eleri, Gwyneth, Eowyn and Sinjin.
“It was important to me and the team to be able to help a family locally this year,” said head coach David Schwepker. “The Gesler's are a great family, who also took the time to help my family five years ago when my wife Kendra was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When the opportunity arose for us to give back to the community that supported us there wasn't a moment's hesitation on the team.”
This year's Swinging To Eliminate Cancer event will take place, Oct. 23-24 when MSU hosts Jacksonville State and Tennessee Tech in Racer Arena. Donations will be accepted through the weekend and can be given to any member of the team or volleyball staff. Those wishing to make donations can make a flat donation or can chose to make a donation per attack attempt recorded by both teams in both matches over the weekend. Last year the total number of attempts in the two matches was 507, but could be lower or higher depending on the number of sets played in each match.
This year the Racers will also be returning to The Big Apple Café for a rebate night, Monday, Oct. 19. Patrons of The Big Apple Café can choose to donate a portion of their check to the cause. The volleyball team will also be on hand from 4-8 p.m. to help staff refill drinks and communicate the importance of the event to customers.
In 2008, the Racers raised $2,572.14 for the National Brain Tumor Society and are hoping to raise as much, if not more for the Gesler's.
“Last year we raised a large amount for the National Brain Tumor Society,” Schwepker added. “We are hoping that with the help of those in the area we can make a significant contribution to the Gesler Family this year as well.”
For more information on making a donation contact Teri LaJeunesse by phone (270) 809-3351 or by email teri.lajeunesse@murraystate.edu
