The time is coming again for the Lebanon Valley College women's basketball team to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. The fourth annual Pink Game is set for Feb. 9 at 6 p.m., with the Dutchmen facing rival Messiah.

In 2007, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association embraced the concept of such a game in hopes of honoring those such as Kay Yow. More than 120 schools participated in the first season and the number grew to over 1,800 participants last year. The WBCA reports that it has raised nearly $3.3 Million and had 4,700 participants in four years.

Lebanon Valley began this tradition in 2008, drawing a then-record crowd of 1,310 and raising more than $3,400 for breast cancer awareness. The event has raised more than $6,600 in the last two years, and attendance has increased with a new record of 1,545 fans coming out in support in 2010.

“The Pink Game is an important event for our program,” said head coach Todd Goclowski. “It's a celebration of our community and the spirit of our collective fight against cancer. This special game honors the strength, courage, and passion of those who have faced the challenges of breast cancer. It is a battle that goes beyond our small basketball world, but it is within that world that we reach out in celebration of all the heroes in this fight.”

Hoping to set another attendance record this year, the public safety department is providing shuttles from the parking lots on either side of the Arnold Sports Center lot to help ease parking.

“Last year's game was amazing and we salute all the fans that came out to make it a record-breaking night,” said Goclowski. “This year we are asking our fans and community to turn out in force and make it our most successful Pink Game ever. There are great prizes available and there is no doubt it will be a terrific game. We need our community to join us for this incredible night. We encourage all of our fans to show up and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.”

Several businesses have lent their support to the game this year. The LVC College Store will donate a portion of their sales on pink items sold Feb. 9, and Kettering Corner is donating $.50 for every ice cream sundae sold from now until Feb. 8.

Other businesses and organizations have given items as raffle prizes and giveaways. Tickets for an upcoming Hershey Bears game, four greens fees from Fairview Golf Course, and a private lesson with Fairview's golf pro Matt Cecil are a few of the raffle prizes available. A gift basket from Hollywood Casino is also available (winner must be 21 years of age or older) and an LVC student has the chance to win a $300 gift card to the LVC College Store. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the game.

Returning again is the chance for one lucky fan to win a 2010 Chevy Cobalt courtesy of Frederick's Chevrolet. During the game, a fan will be chosen at random to sink the half-court shot at halftime for the chance to drive away with the new car. Also, for every 3-pointer made by an LVC player during the game, Subway Restaurants will hand out a coupon at random.

The team's jerseys from the game will be sold through a silent auction as done in previous years. For the first time this year, the auction is beginning prior to the game on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. The jerseys start at $75 and those interested in placing a bid can e-mail Sarah Dull at dull@lvc.edu. A listing of the current bids can be found on godutchmen.com. Prior to the start of the game on Feb. 9, the information will be gathered and listed in a book in the lobby of the Arnold Sports Center. Bids will be taken until the end of the game and coach Goclowski will notify the winners that week.

A special bake sale will also be held during the game on Feb. 9 in the lobby of the Sports Center. Various items will be sold including cake, cookies, and more.

Lebanon Valley's own student organization, Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) will be on hand volunteering for the event and helping to provide educational materials. The group encourages survivors to stop by a table on the concourse for a special gift along with attending a reception in the gymnasium's skybox.

“It's wonderful that the women's basketball team does an event that not only raises awareness for breast cancer and the American Cancer Society, but actually raises money to help those with breast cancer and to help eradicate the disease that affects millions of women,” said CAC President Megan McGrady. “The great thing about an event like this is that it not only includes support from the school, but from the surrounding communities. And while it really puts into perspective just how common breast cancer is, it also shows that people are rallying together to eliminate it.”