Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Each year during a selected game, The Big Sting organization holds an event to honor those in the community who are battling cancer. Gatesville athletes wear jerseys with the names of those in the community who have lost their lives to cancer or who are currently battling cancer.
The Big Sting sold out of the jerseys this year, with 95 football jerseys sold for the cheerleaders, dazzlers, and coaches to wear during the event.
“STING” stands for Supporting Those IN Gatesville, which the organization has continued to do for over 11 years, while raising over $400,000 to help over 250 people in need.
Velvet Jaynes, Gatesville Independent School District Athletic Secretary, played a major role in establishing this organization within Gatesville. “Coach Kyle Cooper and I started this in 2012,” Jaynes said. “He always said great ideas are stolen ideas, and Coach Cooper and I did a ton of research from another school that does this in Lowell, Michigan. They call theirs the Pink Arrow Project.”
Jaynes and Cooper had discussions with the organization to obtain their entire game plan on how to go about implementing the organization in Gatesville. “The Gatesville community completely embraced it,” Jaynes said.
To date, The Big Sting organization has four board members, and everything is done on a volunteer basis. The organization has several churches, businesses, and community members that make monthly donations to The Big Sting organization. “Our community has realized what a great charitable organization we are and see what we do to help those battling cancer,” Jaynes said.
The proceeds are given back to members of the Gatesville community who have been diagnosed with cancer and are requesting help.
The Big Sting’s mission is to make an effort to provide immediate support for practical needs to members of the Gatesville community who are currently battling cancer.
For more information on The Big Sting, contact Velvet Jaynes by email at vjaynes@gatesvilleisd.org.
