By Benny Rogers/TVCC Sports Information
It’s not just about winning championships at Trinity Valley Community College.
As a result of three benefit events, the college’s athletic department raised $10,363.14 during the 2014 spring semester to assist in the battles against cancer and heart disease in Henderson County.
“It is a true testament to the hard work, commitment and selflessness of the staff, fans and community of Trinity Valley and Athens, Texas, to be able to achieve such an accomplishment,” said Trinity Valley athletic director Brad Smiley. “Everyone involved in this year’s efforts in these benefits should be very proud.”
The bulk of the college’s record-setting amount was raised during basketball season, when the Hoops for Hope and Play 4Kay events raised a combined $8,217. Strike Out Cancer brought in $2,146.14 during softball season.
Hoops for Hearts, which raised $567, benefited the East Texas chapter of Amazing Little Hearts Group (ALHG) for a second straight year. ALHG provides support, information and resources to families affected by congenital heart defects in the area.
The college’s seventh straight year to participate in the Play 4Kay initiative, which raises funds for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the fight against breast cancer, resulted in a record-setting $7,650. It also resulted in Trinity Valley being named Community College Divisional winner by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.
Strike Out Cancer directly benefited Family Peace Project in Henderson County, which assists families with members battling cancer.
Plans for next year’s participation in the fund-raising events are already under way at Trinity Valley, according to athletic coordinator Lucy Strom.
