On November 19, the Olentangy Liberty Middle School girls’ basketball team hosted three local middle school teams for a season preview of what’s to come. The game also raised awareness for breast cancer research, with the players and coaches sporting pink gear. More than $300 was raised at the game through donations, the sale of pink items and raffles to support the Spielman Fund.

The West Jefferson Youth Athletic Association (WJYAA) held its 3rd Annual “Go Pink!” Fundraiser on October 4. This event was started by a parent in the organization who had a family member that passed away from breast cancer. This event allows the WJYAA to speak to so many; hearing their stories has made the WJYAA aware of how many others in their community are also affected by breast cancer. The event raised funds through a large bake sale, selling Spielman awareness wrist bands and a raffle with great items such as bicycles and a mystery box valued at $500. Players wore their pink jerseys, socks and mouth guards, while the cheerleaders were not to be outdone in their pink shirts, socks, ribbons, bows and even some pink hair. This event continues to grow each year as community awareness and investment grows. The WJYAA raised $1,162.25 for the Spielman Fund this year.

Over 800 attendees gathered together at the annual OSU versus Michigan football watch party on Saturday, November 29. Alumni and friends enjoyed the game day as the streets of Pheonix, Arizona turned into the “Lane Avenue of the Southwest” with live music, food and drinks, corn hole tournaments and more. This year, over $16,200 was raised as they celebrated OSU’s win against the team up north and raised awareness for the Spielman Fund. For more information on the event and the efforts of the Young Buckeyes of Pheonix, visit www.buckbreastcancer.org.

For more than 15 years, students at Barrington Elementary School in Upper Arlington have hosted the annual Buckeye Bonanza in the fall. The students learn about cancer and the need to fund research while learning economics. During "Beat Michigan Week", the students made buckeye necklaces and sold them at the Ohio Union to students, staff and guests. After months of making and selling buckeye necklaces, the students raised more than $500 in 2014. Thanks to the efforts of these students, proceeds continue to benefit the Spielman Fund.

Commitment is not a test drive. It is a firm resolve to purpose and the foundation for every choice that fulfills your goals. It is life with a vision. Embrace it. Anything less is just trial and error.- Chris Spielman