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VP for Advancement and Public Services Brad Bainter, the founder of Linda's Fund (middle left), and WIU Head Women's Coach J.D. Gravina along with members of the Leathernecks women's basketball team, show off the Think Pink t-shirts for Saturday's game. Proceeds from the t-shirt sales will be donated to Linda's Fund, which is administered by McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.
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Social Responsibility: Think Pink

February 14, 2013

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MACOMB, IL -- Social responsibility is the obligation of individuals to be supportive of the society in which they live (answers.com).

Western Illinois University's mission is to prepare a socially responsible, diverse student, faculty, and staff, population to lead in the global society. As part of that mission, social responsibility is one of the University's four core values, and one that many individuals - and departments, such as Intercollegiate Athletics - take to heart. To give back to the community in which it resides, Western's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is embarking on a year-long "Think Pink" campaign, beginning this Saturday (Feb. 16) with the WIU Leathernecks women's basketball game, with proceeds from "Think Pink" events going to Linda's Fund at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.

A portion of the ticket sales from the 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 women's basketball game versus South Dakota State will be donated to Linda's Fund, as will the proceeds for the Think Pink t-shirt sales and the Hawaiian Luau-themed event in Western Hall's east arena following the game. Survivors of breast cancer and their families can receive free entrance to the game by stopping by the athletics department office prior to Saturday's contest. All survivors will receive a "Think Pink" t-shirt.

Linda's Fund was created in October 2008 in memory of Linda (Ren) Bainter, who passed away in April 1996 at the age of 57 after a second battle with breast cancer. Established at McDonough District Hospital through the generosity of Linda's son, WIU Vice President of Advancement and Public Services Brad Bainter and his wife, Alumni Programs Director Amy Spelman, and supported by family and friends, the fund is used to assist breast cancer patients and their families.

According to Bainter, Linda's Fund, which is administered through McDonough District Hospital, has given 61 grants totaling $80,000 to women fighting breast cancer since the first grant of $500 was given in February 2009. The amount of each grant is now $1,500, and Bainter said that need is growing. In 2012, 22 grants totaling $33,000 were given, compared with 18 totaling $27,000 in 2011.

"Linda's Fund recognizes that the emotional and financial needs caused by a diagnosis of breast cancer goes well beyond medicine and cosmetics, and the fund stands ready to assist with any need faced whether it be for food, utilities, groceries, clothing or other bills. It is the hope and wish of Linda's family that no need go unfunded and that the fund will support our local families faced with the uncertain future caused by a diagnosis of breast cancer until this dreadful disease is cured forever," he added. "We are so very grateful for the support we have received from this community, such as the athletics department's "Think Pink" fundraising efforts. My mom would be so proud of how we are all helping those in need. "

A "Think Pink" package comprised of one game ticket, one admission to the luau, a t-shirt and food/drink is available for $25 per person. "Think Pink" t-shirts can be purchased for $10 in the athletics department office, and will also be sold during the women's basketball home game Feb. 14. T-shirts, which are $10, can also be purchased at Sports Corner @ 124 and Envy. Tickets to the luau are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Sponsors include McDonough District Hospital, Sports Corner @ 124, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, Domino's and Envy. For more information or to order the ticket package, contact the WIU Intercollegiate Athletics Office at (309) 298-1190.

The next "Think Pink" event scheduled will be the April 5 Leathernecks softball game.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing