Pollyball, Pollypalooza support breast cancer assistance programs

Toledo: In 1990, Polly Hylant-Tracy lost her battle with breast cancer, leaving behind her husband, three very young daughters and eight siblings. Vowing to keep her zest and enthusiasm alive, the family created a day of volleyball fun to generate awareness and funds for breast cancer support services.  With strong community participation, Pollyball has been successful for 16 years.  To expand on this success, the Hylant and Tracy family announces the addition of Pollypalooza, an evening fundraising event.

What:       Pollyball, volleyball tournament, fun and food from

                Rosie’s Pollypalooza:  live bands, food from local

                restaurants and the finals of the Pro Women’s Beach

                Volleyball Tournament

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When:       Saturday, August 16, 2008

                  Pollyball    8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.             

                 Pollypalooza    5:00 p.m. – midnight

Where:      International Park and Volleyball Courts

                 near The Docks on east side of Maumee River, downtown Toledo

Web:         www.pollyball.com  for further info, Pollyball registration and Pollypalooza tickets

Michael Hylant originated the idea of a volleyball tournament to honor his sister and help other women who are affected by breast cancer.  “Polly just loved to play volleyball.  We wanted to keep her memory alive and to help find a cure for this terrible disease.   What better way than to have a fun day of volleyball that raises money,” he said.  “Polly was a kind person with a great sense of humor who always wore her trademark smile,” comments Sandra Hylant.  “She would have loved how the community rallies to support such a good cause in her memory.”

Pollypalooza, the new evening event, features three bands:  Empire Drift, 2008 NWO Regional Superstar champions; Velvet Jones, Toledo’s premier event band; and headliner Zac Brown Band, currently on a national tour with Sugarland and Alan Jackson.  Local restaurants on board to sell food are Shorty’s, Vito’s Pizza, Blarney , Jed’s, Sori Sushi, Rouge Bistro, Mancy’s Italian and Cold Stone Creamery.

Through the generous participation of family, friends and community, the Hylant and Tracy family has raised and donated nearly $750,000 to organizations that provide education and emotional support to families affected by breast cancer.  For the second year, the family is excited to lend its support to two outstanding nonprofit cancer programs:  YWCA of Greater Toledo ENCOREplus Breast Cancer Awareness and Assistance Program, and Reeling and Healing, Inc.

ENCOREplus is a comprehensive program that educates women on the life-saving benefits of breast cancer early detection methods. It also provides connections to mammography and diagnostic services and support for women who are experiencing breast-health issues.

Reel & Heal introduces women in recovery from breast cancer to the healing powers of the sport of fly-fishing by providing a unique outdoor experience, a renewed perspective, new friendships and a very special source of hope.

As organizers of this year’s events, the Hylant and Tracy family, YWCA of Greater Toledo, Reel & Heal and EPIC encourage the entire community to enjoy a day of playing volleyball or just watching and an evening of great music, with food and fun from morning until midnight.