Penn State Blue Out 2013
It’s that time of year again! This year’s Blue Out Event is set for Saturday, September 21st when the Penn State football team takes on Kent State at 3:30pm. For those who may not know (or who may need a refresher), the Blue Out takes place once a year during a home football game where fans dress in blue, symbolizing the often-neglected bruises of those children who fall victim to abuse. The annual event, which seeks to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and raise money for prevention programs, began in 2011 as a student response to the Sandusky scandal. The money raised through “text-to-donate” programs, canning initiatives, and t-shirt, ribbon, and wristband sales, is donated to Prevent Child Abuse PA and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR). PCAR works to prevent sexual violence through public policy influence, awareness campaigns, and educational training programs. This is evidenced by PCAR’s training of “more than 16,000 Penn State faculty, staff and volunteers who meet the Pennsylvania definition of mandated reporters.”
At the first Blue Out Event, taking place in November 2011, an impressive $47,000 was raised. Last year? An astonishing $79,000. In a recent Press Release, PCAR CEO Delilah Rumburg asserted that “Penn State’s student-body and fans have shown tremendous support for prevention efforts as well as sexual assault survivors during the last two years.” One can only imagine what can be accomplished with your support this year!
So, how can you get involved? One easy way is to purchase the official 2013 Blue Out t-shirt. Contributions also can be made at www.visionofhopefund.org.
Keep an eye out for “canners” in Beaver Stadium on the 21st as voluntary donations will be collected upon entrance to the stadium. If you would like to join the Beaver Stadium “canning” effort prior to the game, please sign up through this form.
Of course, no numeric value can be placed on your spirited presence in the stands. Whether you’re in the student section or general seating area, One Heart (Penn State Students Against the Sexual Abuse of Children) and the Blue Out executive board, thanks you for your support. Raising awareness of child sexual abuse through the Blue Out football game is a great way to show that we, as a Penn State community, care. We care about our school. We care about our reputation. And most importantly, we care about the victims. The actions and decisions of a few individuals do not reflect the values, beliefs, and accomplishments of an entire university.
The impact we are making extends beyond State College. As Blue Out Director Tori Smith asserts, “The Blue Out is not just a way to reach our local community, but a national audience, as child sexual abuse is pervasive throughout our country." So pull out your blue shirt and get ready to show your support! #BlueOutPSU
At the first Blue Out Event, taking place in November 2011, an impressive $47,000 was raised. Last year? An astonishing $79,000. In a recent Press Release, PCAR CEO Delilah Rumburg asserted that “Penn State’s student-body and fans have shown tremendous support for prevention efforts as well as sexual assault survivors during the last two years.” One can only imagine what can be accomplished with your support this year!
So, how can you get involved? One easy way is to purchase the official 2013 Blue Out t-shirt. Contributions also can be made at www.visionofhopefund.org.
Keep an eye out for “canners” in Beaver Stadium on the 21st as voluntary donations will be collected upon entrance to the stadium. If you would like to join the Beaver Stadium “canning” effort prior to the game, please sign up through this form.
Of course, no numeric value can be placed on your spirited presence in the stands. Whether you’re in the student section or general seating area, One Heart (Penn State Students Against the Sexual Abuse of Children) and the Blue Out executive board, thanks you for your support. Raising awareness of child sexual abuse through the Blue Out football game is a great way to show that we, as a Penn State community, care. We care about our school. We care about our reputation. And most importantly, we care about the victims. The actions and decisions of a few individuals do not reflect the values, beliefs, and accomplishments of an entire university.
The impact we are making extends beyond State College. As Blue Out Director Tori Smith asserts, “The Blue Out is not just a way to reach our local community, but a national audience, as child sexual abuse is pervasive throughout our country." So pull out your blue shirt and get ready to show your support! #BlueOutPSU
