A sea of pink is seen during the 2024 Pink Out Night at Warsaw Community High School. Photos provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

News Release

WARSAW — Cancer impacts countless lives, and Warsaw Community High School’s cheer block is once again rallying the community to stand united in the fight.

On Friday, Oct. 17, WCHS will host its annual Pink Out Night during the home football game against Northridge. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at the high school football field.

The evening is dedicated to raising awareness, supporting those currently battling cancer and honoring survivors. Cancer survivors attending the game will receive free admission and a special appreciation gift at the admission gates.

Supporters Walk the Block during last year’s Pink Out.

Fans are encouraged to wear this year’s official Pink Out shirt or purchase a pink ribbon at the game to “Walk the Block” during halftime, a powerful lap around the track to celebrate survivors, support those with a current cancer diagnosis and remember those affected by cancer.

The Pink Out shirt web store is now live and can be accessed at warsawpinkout.itemorder.com/shop/home. Orders will be accepted through Sunday, Oct. 5. If you’d like to pay by cash or check, email Leslie Jackson at [email protected]. All offline orders must be received and paid before the end of the day on Friday, Oct. 3. Shirts will be available for pickup at the WCHS Athletic Office on or around Wednesday, Oct. 15.

“I am so honored to be a part of the Pink Out planning committee this year,” said Arielle Hepler, cheer block leader and Pink Out Night student liaison. “Breast cancer has such an impact on so many people throughout the community, and I am so grateful that we have an opportunity to show our support for them as well as raise awareness. I hope that Pink Out Night is an encouragement to those currently battling cancer, and a testament to the courage of those who have previously fought it. We’re all cheering you on.”

Proceeds from Pink Out shirt sales benefit the Warsaw Cheer Block Cancer Care Fund, which last year helped more than 20 families in the school district.

“As a survivor, seeing WCS students and our community walk together during Pink Out Night fills me with hope,” said Rachael Hoffert, Ph.D., Pink Out coordinator and breast cancer survivor. “Each step around the track is a powerful reminder that no one fights alone. The funds raised provide meals, ease the burden of transportation and medical costs, and offer encouragement to those in our community bravely battling cancer.”

The student cheer block and cheerleaders will be sporting their Pink Out gear and selling pink ribbons at the game, and the football team will again show its support by wearing pink accessories on the field.

Proceeds from Pink Out shirt sales directly benefit the Warsaw Cheer Block Cancer Care Fund, which provides resources and encouragement to Warsaw Community Schools staff, students and families facing cancer. Last year, the fund supported more than 20 families in the district.

Kari Vilamaa, Tri Kappa, Lutheran Health Network and Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital offered support that is helping to make Pink Out Night possible.