Both high schools in the Pella Community team up tomorrow night for cancer awareness in “United for a Cause” – the annual Coaches vs. Cancer event. Last year pink t-shirts were sold to raise money for cancer awareness, and Pella Christian Activities Director Brad Engbers says while fans from both schools are encouraged to wear those shirts again this time around, the main focus is on contributions to what is being called the “Wall of Hope”.

“The ‘Wall of Hope’ is going to be our major fundraiser. The thing we like about the ‘Wall of Hope’ is that any donation made at that time is going 100 percent to cancer research,” said Engbers. “A lot of us have extra t-shirts and stuff like that – we don’t really need to purchase a lot of other things – we want to make sure that the funds that we’re generating for that night are going to the cause that we’re trying to support.”

Those interested can purchase a paper “brick” which will go up on the wall to memorialize or recognize a friend or loved one that is fighting cancer or has been otherwise affected by the disease. Pella High Athletic Director Dale Otte says he also expects the students from both schools to take something away from the night.

“That’s part of education. That’s teaching these kids some life lessons – not only the stuff they learn in the classroom,” said Otte. “They’re going to be impacted as well. Cancer, unfortunately, hits everybody at any age, so it’s very important that they’re aware of this deadly disease.”

Bricks for the “Wall of Hope” can be purchased at either Pella High or Pella Christian High School on Monday, and will also be available on Tuesday night before the game at Pella Christian.