About 100 off-duty Boston police officers hit the gridiron in Dorchester’s Garvey Park last Sunday (Oct. 26) for the inaugural Pink Ribbon Bowl, a “powder-puff” flag football tournament featuring the women of the BPD raising funds for a special cause.
“We have eight strong teams across the department, all off-duty female officers, who joined us today to raise money for breast cancer awareness,” said event organizer Char Coleman, “Everyone involved is in law enforcement. Everyone took the day off to be here.”
While the officers competed, their family, friends, and neighbors enjoyed the sunny afternoon while participating in raffles, purchasing event merch, and making donations.
One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Ellie Fund, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that
provides essential services like transportation to medical appointments, grocery assistance, childcare, housekeeping, and prepared meals, during cancer treatment and recovery.
The cause was personal for Coleman and many other participants.
“I do have a grandmother who battled breast cancer, as well as my aunt. There are so many women out here today who have also battled breast cancer,” Coleman said.
“We work a lot, so sometimes we are suffering in silence. Being out here today, we just want everyone to know you do have support, morale, and camaraderie. This is what it’s all about.”
Jennifer Patterson, an officer from Area B-2, spent the afternoon playing on team “Badges and Boobies.”
“My mother, she’s a breast cancer survivor, so for me it was important to come out here and show up for the cause for research,” said Patterson. “I saw firsthand what someone who goes through breast cancer goes through.”
Area C-6 officer Ayesha Lawton described the day as both “fun” and “emotional” as she cheered on the “C-Cups” squad with pink pom-poms in her hands.
Lawton’s mother, who was also an officer and had breast cancer, was her “why” for the day.
Said Officer Nischeena Charles from the E-13 district, “We get caught up with trying to solve crimes, save people, and everything in between. This is a great way for us not only to support the cause but also get together as a department and make things happen.”
Police Commissioner Michael Cox was among those who stopped by to cheer on the teams. “Hopefully, we’re contributing to help solve an issue in not only the city but also the world, and help families that have struggled with cancer diagnosis and treatment, and to let folks know that we’re a part of the community,” he said.
“Our officers, both men and women, care so deeply and they are out here volunteering to do what they can to help others, and they are having a good time doing so. I’m proud of each and every one of them. I had nothing to do with this, they did this on their own.”
As to the competition, the “Rack City” team— made up of Academy staff and members of other Specialized Units— came out on top. All told, the event raised an estimated $10,000.
