Each October, youth football and cheer programs across the country show their support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the El Centro Youth Football and Cheer Association (ECYFA), “Pinktober” is about more than awareness and wearing pink. It’s about teaching young athletes the importance of giving back.
A Youth Sports Program Built on Values
Founded in 2023, ECFYA offers tackle football, flag football and cheerleading for children ages 7-13. While the organization is committed to providing competitive opportunities for local youth, its leaders also focus on building strong character off the field.
“Our values are centered on providing competitive opportunities for our local kids,” said Todd Evangelist, president of ECFYA. “At the same time, we want to instill values of selflessness and supporting important causes.”
Turning Pink Socks and Bows into Purpose
In 2024, ECFYA launched its first breast cancer fundraiser. Players and cheerleaders were encouraged to donate $5 to a national or local cancer organization. They could also write an encouraging note to a person in cancer treatment.
Once they completed their act of giving, participants received a pink bow or pink socks. They wore the accessories during games throughout October.
“While it’s common for youth football and cheer organizations to wear pink socks and bows in October, we’re the only one in our area that challenges families to donate toward fighting cancer before the players wear something pink,” Todd said.
Why ECYFA Chose Go Pink for the Cure
Although families could donate to any cancer charity, Todd designated Komen as the primary nonprofit the campaign supported. “About five years ago, I was in San Diego during the 3-Day and remembered how well organized the event seemed,” he said. “When we decided to do a fundraiser, I thought, ‘Komen really knows what they’re doing.”
To make the fundraiser as simple as possible, Todd set up a fundraising event page through Go Pink for the Cure, Komen’s sports and schools-focused fundraising program.
“My focus is on making sure our program runs smoothly, so it’s important to have a something turnkey and easy to navigate,” Todd said. “Komen made it easy to set up a fundraiser and track our progress with the fundraising thermometer.”
A Growing Sports Breast Cancer Fundraiser
The program’s inaugural fundraiser was a success, raising more than $1,100 to support Komen’s mission to end breast cancer.
In 2025, ECYFA board member and fundraising coordinator Lorena Munoz took the lead on planning the fundraiser. She worked closely with coaches to coordinate the distribution of pink socks and bows and partnered with the cheer coordinator to offer T-shirts to parents of cheerleaders.
“It wasn’t part of the fundraising aspect of the campaign,” she said. “However, it gave parents another way to show support for what their kids were doing. We had an overwhelmingly positive response.”
The 2025 event raised just over $1,200 for Komen. As ECYFA continues to grow, Todd and Lorena hope to see even greater support from the community.
“We want to continue the momentum of what our players and cheerleaders have done in the past,” Lorena said. “It’s important to teach children the value of giving back, as it helps build strong character and a sense of altruism, empathy and responsibility toward causes that matter and impact many lives.”
How Your Team Can Fundraise with Go Pink for the Cure
Go Pink for the Cure is Komen’s sports and schools-focused fundraising program that encourages breast cancer awareness and healthy living while fundraising to help end breast cancer. Whether you’re looking to fundraise with a school group, sports team or fitness studio, you can play for a purpose when you Go Pink for the Cure. Learn more at Komen.org/GoPink.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
