Razorbacks raise money, awareness

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas Athletic Department and the Razorback women’s basketball team collected nearly $14,500 for the Ozark affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure it was announced recently.

The Razorbacks hosted a Pink Zone Game, inviting fans, players and coaches to wear pink to help raise awareness and money to find a cure for breast cancer. The game, a 42-40 win over LSU Sunday, Feb. 20, in Bud Walton Arena, welcomed more than 2,000 fans to the contest.

Fans purchased a Pink Game t-shirt for $15 that they were encouraged to wear to the game and that served as their ticket for entrance to the contest.

The Razorback women’s basketball team sported hot pink uniforms with red and white trim and shiny pink shoes for the event.

"We are proud to play a part in raising awareness and generating much needed support for the ongoing efforts to find a cure for breast cancer," Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. "Many of us have a family member or a friend that has been affected in some way by breast cancer. We are pleased that through the efforts of our women’s basketball program, the Razorback fans and participating sponsors, we are able to make a significant donation to the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation."

This year’s efforts raised approximately $14,494.63. T-shirt sales and donations accounted for $7,694.63 and Jackson Hewitt presented the Komen for the Cure Foundation at check at halftime for $6,800.

The contributions from the Razorbacks showed an increase of more than $1,500 from the previous year.

The Razorback women’s team returns to action tonight traveling to Kentucky as Southeastern Conference action continues. Arkansas hosts Alabama Sunday on Senior Day in the final SEC game of the season.