Fort Lewis Engages Durango for Great Cause

by Andrew Beardsley, Fort Lewis Sports Information Director

DURANGO, Colo. - October 11, 2007 - Fort Lewis College president, Brad Bartel, has been at the center of the resurgence of the Durango, Colorado campus. His commitment to integrating the campus into the scenic community has made him a much respected local figure. When he was diagnosed with multiple myelona during the summer, numerous constituents wanted to increase awareness of this form of cancer as well as provide encouragement to President Bartel and his family.

At the same time, the community medical center, Mercy Regional Medical Center, announced plans to start fund raising to build a new Breast Cancer Care Center. The "Yes Ma'am" campaign will help fund the multi millions dollar center which will service the entire Durango and Four Corners region. The Fort Lewis College soccer players and Durango Tourism Director, Anne Barney came up with the idea of tying these two entities together with one great event.

On Sunday, September 16^th the Mercy Regional Medical Center and the Durango community came together to support this cause thru the "Tough Enough to Wear Pink^TM" Day at the Fort Lewis College men's and women's soccer games against the Colorado School of Mines.

Longtime Fort Lewis College soccer philanthropist, Martin Dirks, for whom the Fort Lewis College soccer field is named, pledged $10,000 and  $50 per goal this season for both men's and women's soccer with the proceeds going toward the "Yes Ma'am" campaign in the name of President Bartel. Mr. Dirks' pledge was then matched by local bed and breakfast, Blue Lake Ranch.

On game day the normal blue and gold flags that decorated the north and south ends of Dirks Field were replaced with pink flags, while both men's and women's teams warmed up in specially designed pink warm-ups. The warm-ups were then auctioned off during the men's and women's games with the proceeds going towards the new Breast Cancer Care Center. USA National female soccer icon, Brandi Chastain also autographed a signature warm-up which was also auctioned off at the event.

The crowd of nearly 1,000 people took advantage of a deeply discounted ticket price for anyone wearing pink. Close to 80% of those in attendance took advantage of the deal and showed their support for cancer awareness and research.

The Mercy Regional Medical Center foundation also sold cookies and brownies at the event as well and handled all auction items. Foundation executive director, Karen Midkiff announced that the event raised nearly $20,000 in gifts and pledges later that week.