Greyhounds Lead NCAA DIII In Play4Kay Fundraising for 13th Straight Year in 2021
RALEIGH, N.C. --- The Moravian College women’s basketball program has been named as the NCAA Division III winner of the 2021 Kay Yow Cancer Fund Play4Kay fundraiser with $6,683.47 raised in 2021, the 13th consecutive year that the Greyhounds have led NCAA Division III schools in Play4Kay.
RALEIGH, N.C. --- The Moravian College women's basketball program has been named as the NCAA Division III winner of the 2021 Kay Yow Cancer Fund Play4Kay fundraiser with $6,683.47 raised in 2021, the 13th consecutive year that the Greyhounds have led NCAA Division III schools in Play4Kay.
"Despite the obstacles of a shortened season, lack of in person fundraising and most obvious, uncertain and unprecedented times, we found a way to raise money for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund this past season," commented Head Coach Mary Beth Spirk. "I am honored and thrilled to accept the award of the highest fundraiser in DIII. I am proud to represent and recognize Moravian Women's Basketball and our entire Moravian family for coming together to make this happen. Special recognition to Coach, Alum and Hall of Famer Amy Endler, who alone raised over $1,100!
"Kay Yow helped instill in me that it is always better to give than receive. My hope is that Moravian College has helped give hope to those fighting this terrible disease. We look forward already to next season's Kay Yow in person events!" added Spirk.
Play4Kay is the grassroots fundraising initiative of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Its primary fundraising support comes from women's basketball teams across the country that dedicate an event to raise funds and awareness for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, an organization committed to funding women's cancer research and supporting projects that assist the underserved community.
This winter, Moravian raised $6,683.47, the top amount from an NCAA Division III school, to give the program a total of $180,026 donated to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund over the last 13 years. The Greyhounds raised $19,053 in 2020, $19,480 in 2019, $19,657 during 2018 and $21,662 in 2017, and the most raised by the Hounds in a single year. Moravian was also the top NCAA Division III team in 2016 with $18,520, in 2015 with $17,038, in 2014 with $12,573, in 2013 with $16,210, in 2012 with $12,025, in 2011 with $5,825, in 2010 at $6,100 and a first-year total of $5,200 in 2009.
Other 2021 Play4Kay Divisional winners were the Penn State University (NCAA Division I BCS), Illinois State University (NCAA Division I non-BCS), West Chester University (NCAA Division II), Faulkner (Ala.) University (NAIA), Dawson (Mt.) Community College (JC/CC) and Grace Christian (Raleigh, N.C.) High School (National 4-12).
"Play4Kay was Coach Kay Yow's vision. She saw this initiative as a way to unite the country in support of all women battling cancer. She wanted to use her platform to give strength to others--to lift up and encourage survivors. Due to the amazing support of teams from communities big and small, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has been able to award $7.78 million on behalf of women's basketball in the fight against all women's cancers," said Stephanie Glance, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. "We are so appreciative of the ongoing support from our 2021 national winners and all of our participating schools. Funding from Play4Kay is making a difference and directly impacting the lives of others."
Moravian is the only 13-time winner in the 13-year history of the contest.
Since the Fund's inception in 2007, more than $7.78 million has been allocated in support of women's cancer research and related projects.
For more information about the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and its annual Play 4Kay® initiative, visit www.kayyow.com and follow #Play4Kay and #KayYow.
About the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and Play4Kay Campaign
The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization's namesake, Kay Yow, former NC State University head women's basketball coach. Coach Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 before succumbing to the disease on January 24, 2009. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against ALL women's cancers through raising money for scientific research, assisting the underserved, and unifying people for a common cause. To date, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $7.78 million in the fight against ALL women's cancers. For more information on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, or to donate, please visit www.kayyow.com.
