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The Helena Belles participated in the second annual powder puff game on Nov. 17. The game raised $2,235 for the Open Hands, Overflowing Hearts organization to help fund research to end pediatric cancer. (For the Reporter/Eric Starling)

Kayla Funk with the OHOH organization thanks those who attended the game. (For the Reporter/Eric Starling)

Helena Mayor Mark Hall gets ready to present an autographed football in the raffle drawing. (For the Reporter/Eric Starling)

By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The second annual Helena Belles Powder Puff game on Nov. 17 featured a fun matchup between two teams in a flag football game, but more importantly, the game was played to raise money for the Open Hands, Overflowing Hearts organization to help fund research to end pediatric cancer.

The Helena Belles, an organization that is made up of young women in grades 9-12 chosen to represent the city of Helena, swapped out their long flowing dresses for shorts and jerseys that featured plenty of action and fun moments throughout the night.

The pink team won the game 16-0, but both sides ending up winning overall as a check for $2,235 was presented to Kayla Funk with the OHOH foundation during halftime of the game.

“I want to thank you for supporting a great cause and being a part of something that is much bigger than ourselves,” Funk said at halftime after receiving the check.

For every $5 ticket a person purchased, they were automatically entered into a raffle for a chance to win an autographed Nick Saban and Gus Malzahn football or a $50 Oh My Sole gift card. All of the proceeds from the game went toward the OHOH foundation and the winning raffle tickets were also announced at halftime.

The OHOH organization was started after Funk, currently a sophomore at Auburn University, was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma a few years ago. The organization exists to bring awareness to childhood cancer and to raise money for pediatric cancer research that currently receives little funding.

Other highlights of the game included performances by the HHS Pep Band and the National Anthem performed by Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen 2016 Tiara Pennington.

For more information on the Open Hands, Overflowing Hearts organization and Helena Belles, visit Openhandsoverflowinghearts.org and Helenabelles.com.

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