East Meadow and Clarke Dig Pink for Breast Cancer

The boys and girls varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams braved the bad weather on Saturday to come out and play at the  for a good cause.

They faced off against the teams from in the 'Dig Pink' volleyball tournament which was sponsored by the Side-Out Foundation. The Side-Out Foundation unites players and coaches to have them work toward the common goal of furthering breast cancer awareness, education and patient services.

"We had this event last year in our community for the first time," East Meadow Varsity Coach Patricia Burnside said. "It was on a little bit of a smaller scale at the high school with just the girls volleyball teams participating. It was such a success though that the boys decided to get involved this year."

Community members donated money for the cause and all of the teams involved put together gift baskets for the event. The tennis, golf and soccer teams also contributed and the junior high school football team donated a $50 dollar gift certificate. A raffle was also held with prizes awarded.

According to Burnside, over $2,000 was raised from the tournament, which matched last years total. A car wash at East Meadow High School took place last Saturday and raised $385.

"It is such a wonderful event that takes place not just here but in schools all across the country," said Burnside. "In fact, the Side-Out Foundation is so appreciative of the overall effort here on Long Island they are sending a representative member to thank everyone on Nov. 10 at the volleyball playoff championship game at SUNY Old Westbury."

Even though it was a friendly, non-conference competition the East Meadow teams defeated the Rams in all four matches. The varsity boys won 3-2; varsity girls 3-0; junior varsity girls 3-0 and junior varsity boys 3-0.