Have you heard? Have you seen? Basketball referees are "whistling pink" in January.

Through January 24, basketball officials throughout King County will blow PINK WHISTLES at all high school, junior high, and middle school games. The goal is to call attention to Breast Cancer... and to encourage students, parents, and fans of the game to make a financial contribution to organizations that support research to end this terrible disease.

The Seattle Officials'-Women's Basketball and Pacific NW Basketball Association comprise over 300 referees. "As an incentive to others, these referees have donated a portion of their own game checks to benefit breast cancer research," said Linda Meredith, referee coordinator for the event. "We will be sending one big check from the officials at the end of the campaign. It would be great if other people would step up and donate too."

During January and February basketball fans will see referees across America at both the high school and the collegiate levels sponsoring cancer awareness programs. NCAA basketball coaches and referees have been leading the effort for the last several years. Recipients of the fundraising have been the Kay Yow fund and the Jimmy V fund, in memory of two dedicated collegiate coaches. The Puget Sound Chapter of the Susan G Komen Foundation would gladly be a more local recipient.

"The important thing is that people contribute and continue to call for a cure to this deadly disease. That's why the King County basketball referees are whistling pink in January."