The Green Level gymnasium glows with a sea of people in navy and green but for this specific game the stands are filled with orange as students, staff, and parents come together to support Leukemia awareness at the annual Orange Out volleyball game. This game is bigger than just the people on the court, the score, or who is competing on either side. Every person in the gym at this time is brought together to support this cause, but our school isn’t the only school that participates, the opposing team comes and represents the color orange as well.
The raffles, donations, and giveaways are shown as you walk into the school. You see multiple tables filled with gift baskets and watch people’s faces light up knowing that whatever money they spend is donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).
“We want people to enter the game and leave knowing that their presence, their donation, and their support truly matter.” said Alston Godbold, Green Level volleyball head coach.
Godbold holds this cause near to her heart. She works overtime getting donations and setting up raffles and gift baskets.
“We get people involved by sharing stories like Resse’s so they understand why this even matters.” Said Godbold.
Reese Roper is a cancer survivor who had experienced Leukemia during her freshman year. She was diagnosed just three months after her high school volleyball season had ended. Roper’s life had changed dramatically and so did everyone else’s around her. Godbold had been coaching her at the time and was by her side every step of the way.
Roper remains courageous and believes that this game can change so many lives.
“I want everybody to know that when we come together as a community, we can really make a big change.” Says Roper.
The goal this year was to beat $25,000 dollars in donations this year, the record set at the Orange Out game last year. Although the amounts have not been tallied, this year’s Orange Out game was a success.
“The donations are the heart of the event because they allow us to raise real funds that make a difference for families battling cancer. Every item donated, big or small, helps put together raffles, auctions, and opportunities that turn into dollars directly supporting the cause. Without the donations we wouldn’t be able to make the impact we do.” said Godbold.
The night had ended with cheers, raffle winners, and players from both teams embracing the beauty of people coming together. The Orange Out Game was more than just a game, it was a reminder that every dollar raised, every person in the stands, and every story shared brings the community together to support those experiencing Leukemia.
Green Level High School has created this annual tradition that we will forever hold near and dear to our hearts. It is an example of hope and the power of coming together for something bigger than ourselves.
