$9,300 Raised for Cancer Support Group in Honor of Beloved Teacher and Coach

The “Pink Hair Movement” fundraising group presented a check for $9,300 to the Cancer Support Community of New Jersey at halftime of the Ocean City High School field hockey game Monday in honor of Mikenzie Helphenstine.

Spectators and fans wore pink outfits for the “Pink Game” at Carey Stadium in memory of Helphenstine, a beloved coach and teacher who tragically passed away two years ago from breast cancer.

“I feel like we’ve reached a lot of people by doing something that my daughter loved,” said Jane Custer, Helphenstine’s mother.

Helphenstine was adored for her grit, determination and perseverance by coaching and teaching throughout her sickness.

    From left, fundraising organizer Jen Dwyer, Jane Custer, Mikenzie Helphenstine's mother, and Erin McAllister, of the Cancer Support Community of New Jersey, celebrate the fundraising drive.
  

Custer said many players on the field were coached by her daughter at the Ocean City Intermediate School. Custer runs the box score for field hockey games. Monday’s game ended with Ocean City taking a 9-0 win over Atlantic City.

Helphenstine’s husband Clint, her son Kyle, her brother Todd and his family, her sister Tiffany and her family and many alumni players and students were also in attendance. Custer said Helphenstine’s daughter, Andi, was playing field hockey at Ursinus College at the time.

“It was an awesome turnout. A ton of people came out to support,” said Jen Dwyer, one of the lead organizers for the fundraiser. “I think each year we’ve doubled what we raised the previous year, so I’m happy with that.”

Helphenstine began the pink hair trend within the field hockey team more than 15 years ago to fundraise for the Cancer Support Community of New Jersey, formerly known as Gilda’s Club, a nonprofit located in Linwood that offers free social and emotional support for people affected by cancer.

    Many members of the ceremony wear pink clothing to symbolize the fundraising efforts for breast cancer awareness.
  

Four years ago, some of Helphenstine’s friends decided to bring the fundraiser back by selling pink hair extensions, with the goal of raising enough money to allow for CSC NJ to offer support in the Ocean City School District.

“There’s been a lot of hair extensions put in to spread the message,” Custer said. “Strand by strand, the goal is to get Gilda’s Club back in the schools.”

The Pink Hair Movement, as it is known, fundraised and spread awareness by creating a trend in the school district to have pink hair extensions, prompting donations.

Extensions were also sold and installed for $10 at lunch periods and at school and sporting events by volunteers for the movement.

Erin McAllister, program director at CSC NJ, said the amount fundraised should be enough for the organization to resume on-site support at Ocean City High School.

McAllister noted that the trend has also been an awesome chance for people to learn about CSC NJ, so more people can use their free services.

    A sign thanks donors for their contributions to the "Pink Hair Movement" fundraising campaign.