Siena women's hoops host 11th annual Pink Zone game Feb. 25

Siena women’s basketball will hold its 11th annual Pink Zone Game presented by M&T Bank on Friday, Feb. 25 when the Saints host Marist at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Recreation Center. Since 2001, Siena has dedicated one home game every season to Breast Cancer Awareness with proceeds going toward Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer (CRAAB!).

Last year’s Pink Zone Game was the most successful one yet, raising a record $15,000 for CRAAB! This year, the Saints hope to continue to grow the event and set a new record, surpassing last year’s total.

“We are excited to celebrate our 11th annual Pink Zone Game,” said head coach Gina Castelli. “This is a great opportunity for the entire Capital District to ‘team up’ and assist us in making this bigger and better than last year. Everyone benefits: CRAAB!, Siena Basketball and the entire community by giving back.”

Siena players will once again wear custom made pink uniforms and all fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game in an attempt to “Pink Out” the ARC.

Prior to the game, a special reception will be held at 5 p.m. for Pink Zone Honorary Committee members. The reception includes food and beverage and a special meet and greet with Siena players and coaches. Cost to join the committee is $50 which includes a ticket to the game, with proceeds benefitting CRAAB!

The first 500 fans through the door will receive a complimentary pink foam paw. CRAAB! will have tables and displays set up around the gym with vital information on the fight against breast cancer and there will also be a silent auction and raffle items.

Immediately preceding tip-off, local breast cancer survivors will be escorted onto the court by members of the team and recognized for their courageous battles.

At halftime, the Patricia Brown Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to three area youths who created bookmarks that promote healthy choices and lifelong habits. The winners of the Kid’s Battle Back contest will receive scholarships to the 2011 Siena Summer Sports Camp of their choice. Youth aged 8-13 may enter by creating a bookmark promoting healthy choices that lower the risk of developing breast cancer.

Additionally, Siena is currently accepting sponsorships from interested companies. Sponsorship levels include the Slam Dunk Sponsorship ($1,000 or more), 3-Pointer Sponsorship ($500) and Lay-up Sponsorship ($250). Additional sponsorship information and forms can be found at http://www.sienasaints.com/pinkzone

Groups of 10 or more who wish to attend the game should contact Marketing Manager and Siena Athletics Pink Zone Coordinator Laura Menty for more details. She can be reached at lmenty@siena.edu or (518) 782-6769 and can also field any additional questions related to the Honorary Committee, Kid’s Battle Back Initiative and sponsorship opportunities.

For more information on the 2011 Pink Zone Game and how you can get involved which includes downloadable forms for the Honorary Committee, Sponsorship information and Kid’s Battle Back Contest, please visit the Official Pink Zone page at http://www.sienasaints.com/pinkzone

-- Courtesy Siena College Athletic Communications Office