CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illini Networkers, volleyball's dedicated support group, will host a set of silent auctions at this week's matches, where fans will have the chance to bid on special-edition Pink Match jerseys that will be worn in the annual Cancer Awareness match on October 20 against Michigan State as well as a number that will not be worn in the match. All benefits will go to the Mills Breast Cancer Institute in Urbana, Illinois, which helps local breast cancer patients. Donations will also be accepted at the auction tables throughout both matches.
The silent auction will feature 21 special-edition jerseys, 19 of which will be white with pink lettering and two pink libero jerseys with blue lettering, including the No. 16 jersey to be worn by libero Morgan O'Brien and one backup libero jersey. The auction begins when doors open at 7 p.m. on Wednesday (October 3) at the North end of Huff Hall. Fans will have an additional chance to bid on Saturday (October 6), with the auction re-opening with the doors at 6 p.m. and concluding at the start of the third set.
The highest bidder on each jersey will have the opportunity to select the name of their choice to be placed on the back, and 15 of those jerseys will be worn by the player with that number when the Illini take on Michigan State on Saturday, October 20. Due to NCAA compliance regulations, the chosen name may not match the last name of the player wearing the jersey, even if a different first initial is added in front of the last name. Similarly, nicknames of any kind will not be accepted. Jerseys will be laundered after the match and subsequently distributed to the winners.
Six more limited-edition jerseys, including white jerseys sporting Nos. 6, 9, 11, 13 and 16, as well as a pink No. 10 jersey, will also be up for bid.
This will be the seventh season that the Illini Networkers, along with the Illinois volleyball program, have hosted an annual Cancer Awareness match in October, with the total amount donated to charity topping over $24,000. Last year's event raised just under $4000 for Mills Breast Cancer Institute, and the Orange and Blue hope to top that figure once again this season.
The Mills Breast Cancer Institute, located at Carle Hospital in Urbana, was built on a vision of providing expert care close to home. The team includes experts in oncology, breast imaging, reconstructive surgery, genetics, research and support services, giving patients the tools they need in the fight against breast cancer. MBCI is committed to providing patients with comprehensive treatment tailored to their needs, while creating an environment where patients and families can find the support and resources necessary to heal and cope with breast cancer. For more information, visit the MBCI website.
Fans who would like to support the organization without bidding in the auction are welcome to give donations for the Mills Breast Cancer Institute directly to the Networkers at the auction tables throughout the weekend. Interested fans should make the check payable to "Illini Networkers," with "Mills" on the memo line. Fans may also submit tax-deductible donations payable to "Carle Center for Philanthropy."
Quick Hits:
- 21 jerseys (15 game-worn, six not game-worn) sold via silent auction at the Wisconsin and Northwestern matches on October 3 and 6
- Annual pink match to be held October 20 vs. Michigan State
- Proceeds will benefit Mills Breast Cancer Institute
- Donations are accepted
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