Annual PINK OUT Football Game Returns THIS FRIDAY to Walled Lake Western

THE TRADITION CONTINUES:  W4W Don the Pink Jerseys to stomp out cancer! 

Walled Lake Western High School and the Western Warriors football team, with the support of the Walled Lake Consolidated School District will host the Third Annual "Warriors for Warriors" (W4W) cancer fundraising event for the three W4W charities:  Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure; St. Baldrick's Foundation for Pediatric Cancer; and Coaches vs. Cancer in association with the American Cancer Society.  Last year's event was attended by close to 3,000 people and in the first two years they have raised over $140,000.   

On Friday, September 20, the Western Varsity Football team will participate in a Pink-Out game against the Walled Lake Northern Knights.   The Western Warrior players will don pink football jerseys and the stands will be filled with fans and students wearing pink t-shirts.  The 2013 shirts, designed especially for this year's Pink Out football game will be the wearer's entry into the game and will be sold prior to game day throughout the community for $ 15 each.  To date, over 1,000 shirts have been sold for this year's event.   

To kick-off the evening, a "Warriors' Survivor Parade" will begin at 6:00 p.m.  It is notable that the parade is open to those who have been touched by any form of cancer.   Patients, Survivors and those Warriors who wish to honor the memory of friends and family who lost their battle to cancer are welcome to join in the march.  Participants only need to purchase a Pink- Out t-shirt to take part in the parade.   Members of the Band, Choir, Cheerleaders, Poms, Football Team and Walled Lake Western Student Groups will lead the way into the stadium and around the track to recognize these courageous individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer.     

Dawn Forgacs, Walled Lake Western parent shares, "Being a two-year cancer survivor and honoree at the Warriors for Warriors event was a positive experience for me during a very scary time in my life.  Having the love and support of the entire student body meant more to me than anyone will ever know.   I think I speak for all cancer survivors when I say that not
having to fight this battle alone is the best gift of all from the Walled Lake Western community."   

Prior to the 7:30 p.m. Kick-Off   we will hold a meaningful ceremony to honor cancer warriors.  Western football players will line the field from end zone to end zone wearing pink jerseys that have been sponsored in honor or memory of someone within the community.   They will stand side by side with jersey honorees and their families.  This special Jersey Ceremony will be emceed by Spike from 95.5's Mojo in the Morning Show.   

"The Walled Lake Western group of parents, students and community members have raised over $140,000 in just two years and the event just keeps growing," says Western Football Head Coach, Mike Zdebski. "This has become the largest charitable event by any high school athletic program/school in Southeastern Michigan.  Our entire Walled Lake Western community couldn't be prouder." 
Kenneth Gutman, Superintendent of Walled Lake Consolidated Schools states," Walled Lake Schools' students, staff and community are working together, one step at a time, to eradicate cancer.  We are grateful for the selfless hard work of everyone involved in supporting the third annual Pink Out effort.  Breast cancer and all cancers continue to challenge thousands of people.  The collaboration with our three charity partners models the community service we hope to instill in our students."   

For more information about the event, or for Pink T-Shirt sale locations, please visit www.warriorsforwarriors.net. 

To stay up-to-date, like us on Facebook at "Warriors for Warriors" or follow us on Twitter @WLW_W4W.  

You can also contribute to the event by going to   and making an online donation at: http://wlcsd.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=87& 
For more information, contact Linda Ishbia at lri1@aol.com and  248-417-1330

The Pink Out game is also in the running for WXYZ/Channel 7's Sideline Game of the Week. Go to www.wxyz.com to vote!