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10/12/2015 12:00 AMAntonia Barbiero’s goal for this year’s Pink Week was to raise as much money as possible in support of breast cancer awareness. Last fall was Antonia’s first spearheading an effort that dates back to 2008 and it proved a resounding success that saw just over $5,200 raised for the Sisters’ Project, a non-profit organization in Wallingford which raises money to support local cancer patients and their families. Now a senior captain for North Haven volleyball, Antonia was aiming to top that number in 2015. Through a combination of effort from her fellow Indians’ athletes and a caring community, Antonia’s vision came to fruition as $7,610 was donated to the Sisters’ Project.
A check for $6,700 was presented to Paula Feeney-Puig and Judi Gallagher from the Sisters’ Project prior to North Haven’s annual Pink Game home match, which took place when the Indians faced Sheehan on Oct. 8. After adding in donations from that night, along with the proceeds from the 50-50 raffle, the total was bumped up another $900 to eclipse last year’s mark by a sizable sum—an accomplishment that made Barbiero proud.
“It’s a great feeling knowing our effort made a difference on families within our community. It’s just wonderful seeing everybody unite as a whole, whether it was buying a T-shirt, the sponsors, or the donations. Every little effort counts and makes a difference and got us to exceed our goal,” Barbiero says. “It’s definitely rewarding that my goal was achieved with all the hard work from my team and the generosity in the community, as well.”
One of the big factors why this year’s total topped last year’s was because the amount of sponsors increased from 34 to 51. The process of seeking sponsors started in July and Antonia required each of her teammates to secure at least one. Every athlete did that and some were able to lock down two or three.
Another reason why more money rolled in this fall was the fact that more T-shirts were sold. There were 510 pink shirts and all of them were gone within the first week of October. Barbiero thanked her teammates for all their hard work that helped made this year’s Pink Week the biggest one yet and bring the eight-year total to approximately $36,800.
“My teammates were amazing this year with showing how much they care and stepping up in general,” says Barbiero. “I’m happy and proud that they backed me up. I wouldn’t have been able to get all the sponsors and sell the T-shirts without them.”
Barbiero thanked some other people for selling shirts when she spoke during the pre-match ceremony at Fred J. Kelly Gymnasium, including Indians’ football assistant Marc Russo, who did so at the middle school; Michelle Messina from the North Haven Youth Football and Cheerleading organization; and Tonya Montovani, an administrative assistant in the high school’s athletic department. She also thanked Bobby Chancio of Sports Plus for supplying the shirts and, of course, all the sponsors. Following Barbiero’s words, Gallagher addressed the crowd and talked about how happy she was to be there on behalf of the Sisters’ Project.
Barbiero discussed what she was feeling while looking out into a gymnasium that was packed with positive vibes and plenty of pink as her two-year mission at the forefront of this effort ended on the highest of notes.
“At that moment, I was just really excited and motivated, seeing all the pink everywhere and having my teammates behind me when the check was presented. I was glad they were there because they’re a part of this, too,” she says. “Overall, it’s just nice seeing the community come together to have an impact on local families who are battling with breast cancer. Whether someone buys a shirt or becomes a sponsor, all those little things make a difference and it really showed that night.”
In terms of the match, North Haven took a 3-0 loss to Sheehan. Earlier in the week, the team dropped decisions to Amity (3-1) and Law (3-0). In the previous week, the Indians lost to East Haven (3-0) and West Haven (3-0) before a 3-0 win against Hamden with set scores of 25-23, 25-14, 25-18. In that week, Marissa Mocarski had 26 kills and Laurissa Amaker recorded 14. Coach Mark Giordano complimented Bella DelVecchio and Anna Stowe for doing a great job with their service receive and digs. Barbiero and Jess McInnis had a combined 35 assists for the week and Giordano added that Skyler Butler and Celeste Battipaglia also made great contributions.