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To link to the Pink Aggie website online photo gallery.
To link to the Cowboys for Cancer Research website online photo gallery.
LAS CRUCES - The biggest winner of Saturday's college football game between the University of New Mexico Lobos and the New Mexico State University Aggies was cancer research.
It didn't play a down in the game, didn't kick a field goal, make a tackle or score a touchdown. But cancer research was the clear victor, netting $506,939 in the fourth annual NMSU Aggies Are Tough Enough To Wear Pink campaign.
The contributions collected are 5.9 percent more than the $476,573 raised last year, which made Las Cruces the top community in the world for raising money for the Tough Enough To Wear Pink campaign.
"We weren't sure what this year would bring, considering the state, national and local economies," campaign co-chairs Pat Sisbarro, Laura Conniff, Magellia Boston and Mary Henson said in a joint statement. "Exceeding last year's goal, even by a thousand dollars would have been wonderful.
"But we're thrilled and so grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make this possible, from the largest donors to the volunteers. Ultimately, cancer research is the big winner here, and that research will continue at the University of New Mexico and right here at New Mexico State University."
But just like the efforts to find a cure for cancer, the campaign doesn't end here. This week will be "Pink Week" in the Las Cruces Public Schools, where the emphasis will remain on increasing public awareness. Students will also try to raise money for cancer research, and just like Saturday's game, Pink Week will be highlighted by a halftime ceremony of the cross-town rivalry game between the Las Cruces High School Bulldawgs and O-ate High School Black Knights. The game begins at 7 p.m. Friday at the Field of Dreams.
LCPS students will try to top the efforts of Gadsden Independent School District students. Earlier this week, GISD Athletics Director Harold "Bump" Elliott announced that GISD students raised more than $6,038 for cancer research.
"We would like to thank our kids, their families, and our school staffs for supporting this great event," Elliott said. "With all of schools in the GISD being on the free and reduced lunch program, this is a great commitment."
Elliott added that Gadsden High School's student council sold 50/50 raffle tickets at a recent football game, and campaign co-chair Mary Henson was the winner. But instead of accepting her winnings, Henson donated them back to the student council who in turn gave the money to Tough Enough To Wear Pink.
Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452.
