PARKERSBURG - "Volley for the Cure" is expected to get under way at 6 p.m. Thursday inside Parkersburg's Memorial Fieldhouse as the Big Red volleyball team is doing their part in helping raise funds for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event, which is comprised of host PHS, Parkersburg South and Ripley on the varsity side along with those three schools' junior varsity programs and Parkersburg Catholic's JV team, will play on both Sam Mandich Floor and in the Jack Stephens Gymnasium.

"It teaches them that we are just one small aspect of the world," said veteran PHS head coach Carl Harnish of the event, which is being held in memory of Judy DeMoss, who lost her battle with breast cancer in February.

"We kind of spoil our girls and now they are giving something back to the community. We are expecting a big crowd."

For Big Red player Carly White, the entire evening will have a lot of meaning.

"I'm so excited. I think it's a really good thing to do, to play for a reason," White said.

"She (Judy) was one of my mom's good friends for a long time. We were family friends."

Not only should their be plenty of exciting volleyball action, but the community will have ample opportunity to help out the American Cancer Society.

Anyone who buys a "Volley for the Cure" T-shirt at a cost of $10 will get into the event free. Otherwise admission is $5.

All proceeds from the event, which includes ticket prices, T-shirt sales, concessions and the 50/50 drawing, will be given to the ACS.

The Mid-Ohio Valley chapter of the ACS is expected to have director Carmen Hathaway on hand to accept the proceeds and any donations.

Not only are the officials for the matches, which will use line judges from Jackson Middle School's volleyball team, donating their pay to the ACS, but several other events are also going on. Owner Missie Weaver of The Rage will be on hand along with one more hair stylist to offer free haircuts to anyone who wishes to donate their hair to the ACS.

The 50/50 drawing also features a raffle which will give away two small Longaberger Horizon of Hope baskets as well as a special "Volley for the Cure" piece made by Fenton.

Along with getting help from several businesses in the community, Hamilton Middle School and Emerson Elementary School also will be making donations on Thursday.

Hamilton, which conducted a "pink dance" in order to help raise money, was able to gather nearly $1,000. Emerson, thanks in part to a "Gum Day" sale at the school, has raised more than $150 for the ACS.