Pink Night is an idea that has grown across the country. Taking place for a home match during October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the color of pink has also colored the families of anyone who has battled cancer. Every reader either has a personal experience or knows someone else who does. The idea has picked up momentum year after year and depending on each community, the evening is a memorable one that brings a lot of emotion and hopefully some relief to those families.

This year, the SVHS volleyball team has been working on their Pink Night efforts which will take place next Tuesday, October 13, when the Lady Braves host the Evanston Red Devils. The proceeds from the evening which includes many different raffles and silent auction items, will benefit the Billy Hoopes. Hoopes very recently passed away on September 9. He was just 46 years old.

He leaves behind a wife, Shanie and four daughters, Abby, Chelsea, Gracie and Kortney who suits up for the volleyball program. Coach Kalin Schwab is counting on the community to continue to fill the stands.

“A lot of people have lost people, we’ve done this for my own aunt who passed,” he answered. “It’s close to home and it’s tough. The girls are going to rally around this family and help them pay their bills and raise the money that needs to be raised. People should come and show up as a community and help a family that has

gone through one of the worst fights that a family can go up against. Bid on the silent auctions, use the Venmo code to donate if you can and if you’re a business who didn’t get contacted and would like to help please let us know and we’ll get you in touch with the right people. Our community is so awesome when we show up for each other, especially for stuff like this.”

The Hoopes family has stated their gratitude for the support to this point.

“Pink Night is a meaningful way to remember Billy and come together to support the family he loved so much,” the family said. “We are incredibly grateful to the Star Valley High School volleyball team, coaches, their families, local businesses, our family, friends and everyone in our community who has shown us so much love and support.”

Matches begin at 4 p.m. in the main gym of SVHS with the freshmen followed by the junior varsity. The varsity match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Residents are highly encouraged to attend the match and wear pink. Those who feel they are able to do so are encouraged to bid on items which will fill the south entrance area.