Fundraiser sends W.L. Seaton's senior girls volleyball team to provincials

Photo: Instagram

A full house of hungry patrons helped send W.L. Seaton's senior girls volleyball team to the coast to compete in the AAA provincials.

With highways either closed or limited to essential travel only, the high school team had no affordable way to get from Vernon to Vancouver.

That's when Wings Restaurant stepped in with a chicken wings fundraiser in which it matched all donations.

The fundraiser brought in $2,800 and the team took flight Wednesday morning.

"The Vernon community rocks! The athletes are so excited, and relieved, to be attending. Forty-eight hours ago, we had no plan on how to get there ... and chances were fading fast. The fundraiser filled the team with hope, said coach Troy Lorenson as the group departed.

The team recently won the AAA Valley title for the fifth consecutive year and will now compete for the provincial title at Crofton House School in Vancouver.

Wings manager Shay Ritchot said "it was an incredible evening, and busy."

"We were impressed with the turnout and the willingness of all the guests to give to the fundraiser. There were volleyball families everywhere. Vernon should be proud.

"The girls needed help, and everyone rallied to get them to the tournament."