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NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State women's basketball team has been very busy outside the classroom and on the court this preseason, already having participated in three events in the Bloomington/Normal area: Day of the Dozer, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's.
Last month, the team helped out at the Day of the Dozer, which was held at the McLean County Fairgrounds. The student-athletes volunteered at the registration table and aided kids in getting on and off the heavy equipment.
Two weekends later, the team, with the help of Melissa Schrader and Parkway Auto Laundry, participated in the One-Mile Family Walk, which was one of three events in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, held at the State Farm Corporate South Campus. The event helps support the fight against breast cancer, and the program is active every year with that fight, as well as the entire women's basketball community in college basketball with the annual Play4Kay game.
The following weekend, the team joined together in the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's at the Corn Crib. This was a much bigger deal this year because the basketball world recently lost legendary coach Pat Summitt to the disease. The entire team wore an orange Promise Garden flower to show they are for everyone who supports the cause and vision of a world without Alzheimer's. The team will also hold a "We Back Pat" game later this season.
"It is so good for us to be out supporting our community," head coach Barb Smith said. "It gives us a chance to continually meet people and for them to spend time with our team. ISU is a strong institution because the Bloomington/Normal area is strong, caring and compassionate."
About the Day of the Dozer
The Day of the Dozer gives kids the experience of a lifetime, a chance to see and ride on heavy construction and farming equipment! 'DAY OF THE DOZER' was created in memory of William F. Brady, and since that time nearly 10,000 kids have attended this one of a kind event! For one day, the kids will be in the driver's seat and actually drive dozers, excavators, combines and other heavy equipment with a professional operator at their side.
About the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series is the world's largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer ever created. The event raises significant funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. This Race is unique in the fact that 100% of the net proceeds are allocated to our mission. 75 percent of the net income stays in our community to help fund local programs offering breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment. The remaining 25 percent of the net income supports the Susan G. Komen® Grants Program.
About the 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's® is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reclaim the future for millions!
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