West Plains, Mo. – For the twelfth year, Lady Zizzer Basketball, with the help of main event sponsor West Plains Bank and Trust Company, set out to raise funds benefitting local cancer patients through their annual Pink Out event. The more than two-month effort resulted in a new fundraising record with the team presenting the Ozarks Healthcare Foundation with a check for $30,000 at their last home game Feb. 17.
According to Lady Zizzer Coach Christy Otter, this donation exceeds the 2024 total by $4,750. “We knew when we first started planning in November 2024 that we had a big number ($25,000) to beat,” Otter said. “It was an incredible feeling, after all of the effort the girls and our generous sponsors put into this project, to stand mid-court behind a check for $30,000.”
Ozarks Healthcare Vice President of Development Josh Reeves emphasized the impact of this event to the caregivers and patients of the Cancer Treatment Center. “Looking at the total contributions from Pink Out Events over the years shows the amazing generosity of the West Plains community as a whole.” Reeves said. “We are specifically thankful to West Plains Bank and Trust Company, West Plains R7 Schools, and the involvement of many other contributing businesses in this event.
“It is no small feat to raise $30,000 and the Ozarks Healthcare Cancer Treatment Center staff and patients are grateful to benefit from such generosity and determination among the Lady Zizzer Basketball team. Offering cancer care to local patients is a top priority at Ozarks Healthcare
and with the addition of Pink Out contributions, we can continue to compassionately care for those fighting their cancer battle.”
West Plains Bank and Trust Company provided the T-shirts sold, event promotion, and manpower the night of the game. According to West Plains Bank and Trust Company President/CEO David M. Gohn, involvement in the community, especially when it involves young people is a priority for the bank. “We have had the privilege of partnering with Lady Zizzer Basketball since 2019 to raise money in support of local cancer care,” he said. “Since the event began in 2012, more than $221,000 has been raised with $140,600 of that total in the years since West Plains Bank and Trust Company became involved.
“We are so fortunate to have high-quality cancer care services available in our community. Sadly, most everyone is affected whether directly or indirectly, by cancer. These dollars help make a difference when it comes to needed equipment, supplies, and even transportation expenses for family members who wish to spend time with their loved one as they battle the disease.”
Other sponsors who generously donated to make Lady Zizzer Basketball Pink Out 2025 a success include:
· The Law Office of Jacob Y. Garrett/Jacob & Erika Garrett – sponsors of the pulled pork meal on game night and racks of smoked ribs sold by the team
· All Pet & Equine Supply and Leonardo DRS – sponsors of Post Malone & Jelly Roll Concert Tickets (2) for June 13, 2025, at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
· Holiday Inn, West Plains – Apple AirPods Pro 2
· Sugar Lily Bakery & Floral – 20 dozen premium cupcakes (sold game night) and a cheesecake for live auction
· Billy Sexton and Justin Kraft, Auctioneers – generously donating their time to conduct the half-time auction on game night
· Pepsi – grilling bundle for live auction
· Newberry Sales – Metal Zizzer logo sign for live auction
· Cochran Sales – cooler tote full of items for live auction
· Ozarks Healthcare Foundation – two smoked hams and turkeys for live auction
· Westgate Realty/Shaun and Andrea Duggins – 2-night stay, Norfork River cabin for live auction
· West Plains Roofing – full auto detail by Duke Boyz for live auction
· Mount Zion Lodge #327 – Artic cooler and tumblers for live auction
· Brian Shrubb – hand crafted set of wooden end tables
· Ashton Judd & University of Missouri Basketball Lady Tigers – autographed basketball and four home game tickets
Lady Zizzer Basketball also is appreciative of the generous donations from Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply and Silver Springs which made the purchase of new Pink Out uniforms possible.
For more information about Lady Zizzer Basketball Pink Out or to become involved for 2026, contact West Plains R7 Schools Activities Director Ashely Tyree Cooley (417.256.6150).
