Pink Arrow Project

The Pink Arrow Project is a charitable project occurring on the second Friday of September which began in 2008 in Lowell, Michigan. The project revolves around Lowell's high school football team wearing pink jerseys with loved one's names who have been affected by cancer on the back of their jersey for one game a year to support Breast Cancer patients in the community. Today through 3 years of the project the effort has raised over $700,000.

Conception

The idea was conspired by Lowell High School Head Football Coach Noel Dean, after seeing Brett Favre's wife Deanna wearing a pink jersey. The idea was brought before the school who decided to go forward with the plan. It became an instant hit with local fans, and players who loved the idea. Proceeds come from $15 shirts bought by fans, worn jerseys which are auctioned off, ticket sales, donations, and many other sources.

History

The first Pink Arrow Game was held September 12, 2008 versus the Holland Dutch. The Lowell football team who usually has the nickname "Red Arrows" changed it to "Pink Arrows" for gameday and would use this moniker in future pink arrow games. The Pink Arrows won the first annual Pink Arrow game 49-0 over Holland. Pink Arrow I raised approximately $93,000 for Breast Cancer Research.

The second annual Pink Arrow Game was held September 11, 2009 and the game was played against the Grand Rapids Union Redhawks. Pre-game festivities included food, games, and music by local band Sargent Avenue. The Pink Arrows won 49-0, and by now Pink Arrow Project was an instant hit with local media and fans. Pink Arrow II raised approximately $116,000 for Breast Cancer Research. Lowell went on to win the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship later that season.

In the third annual Pink Arrow Game which took place, September 10, 2010, the Pink Arrows defeated the Kenowa Hills Knights 49-0. New activities included the first ever MHSAA sanctioned outdoor volleyball match, and a varsity soccer game. The Knights and their fans wore purple to commemorate their own charitable cause. Proceeds from Pink Arrow III as the 2010 game was called, went to building a Gilda's Club in Lowell, which helps cancer victims and families.

Lowell High School announced that Lowell would host a 4th Pink Arrow Game. Pink Arrow IV took place September 9, 2011 and was won by Lowell 49-7 over Reeths Puffer. NBC's the Today Show did a segment on it, which aired Wednesday, November 2.

In the first 3 gamedays, approximately 95% of Lowell High School students purchased the $15 Pink Arrow Pride shirts. Those who bought the shirts had their picture taken from a helicopter on the football field in the shape of a Pink Arrow, other schools in the district also did similar events.

Local media, and fans flock to this event, where games, food, music, and many other events occur prior to the football game. The field insignia and endzones are painted pink for the event, with a pink ribbon in the middle of the field. Pink Arrow Pride has raised over $700,000 for Cancer research in only 3 years.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pink ribbons.