Newberry and Engadine prepare for 18th annual Dig Pink volleyball game

By Dan Hardenbrook

One of the biggest sports events of the year is just around the corner. The Dig Pink Volleyball game is always a can’t-miss event, and this year it’s held at the J.L. DeCook Gymnasium on Thursday, October 8. It’s the one night each year where Newberry and Engadine use their rivalry to raise funds and awareness for incredible community causes.

It’s that has created many memories while putting a local spotlight on breast cancer treatment and research. This year will be the 18th annual local Dig Pink event, and will be one of hundreds of official Dig Pink games played across the United States at the Middle School, High School, and Collegiate levels. Proceeds from next week’s event will be split between local community partners and the Sideout Foundation.

A night full of exciting activities are planned. The JV contest between Engadine and Newberry will start off the night at 5 p.m. Following that game, the Dig Pink ceremony will take place, and the varsity matchup between the Lady Indians and Lady Eagles will wrap up the evening.

In addition to the volleyball action, there will be 50/50 and basket raffle drawings, a special Dig Pink bake sale, special games and contests, and each team will sign a special edition pink volleyball that will be auctioned off to the crowd. It’s always a highlight to see the two towns battle to see whose volleyball can raise more money for the charities. The shirts commemorating this year’s Dig Pink night are currently on sale from both the Newberry and Engadine school offices and at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.

The Dig Pink program will be highlighted by keynote speaker Tahquamenon Area Schools Superintendent Shawn Tebo, who herself is a cancer survivor. Local resident Autumn O’Hare will give a musical performance; the dancers from Peninsula Pointe Dance Studio will perform; and Newberry senior Delaney Bliss will sing the National Anthem with the American Legion Post 74 Color Guard presenting the colors prior to the Varsity Contest. Newberry staff member Kenn Depew will emcee the evening’s festivities.

The Dig Pink planning committee is still seeking donations and volunteers for this year’s event. Businesses or individuals wishing to donate a basket for the raffles or make a monetary donation can contact Kayla Welker via email (kwelker@eupschools.org). Volunteers are needed for set up and take down before and after the event, running concessions, and working the ticket table for the evening. Interested volunteers can also reach out to Welker for more information.