UNIT3D for Hilinski’s Hope: CougCenter, Cougfan and Butte Brand team up

It’s that time again. Let’s get UNIT3D!

Last year, CougCenter and Cougfan.com teamed up to raise more than $14,000 for the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation with our “UNIT3D” apparel campaign. We’re back with new shirts, courtesy of our Coug-owned apparel partners Butte Brand, and you are totally going to want one as we look to smash last year’s giving total.

You can buy yours now at ButteBrand.com! For each shirt sold, roughly $18 will go back to the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation. Let’s continue to do everything we can to make sure none of us ever lose anyone again the way we lost Tyler.

In addition to the unisex t-shirt shown — which is available in dark gray and white — we also are offering women’s slim-fit tees (also in both dark gray and white) and youth shirts (dark gray only). All have the same logo, which means there’s literally no reason to not outfit the whole family. In fact, I’ll be buying five — two adult, three kids. Easy peasy.

The campaign only lasts 10 days before the printing process begins, so don’t wait! They should arrive in mid-September — that’s as quick as we can get them turned around.

We had a modest goal of selling 500 units last year, but I have a pretty good history of underestimating what y’all are capable of; for our first Make-A-Wish fundraiser, I hoped we could raise $1,000 — the final tally checked in at more than $11,000. You all made me look silly again last year, as we sold 785 units — plus another $1,583 in cash donations.

Think we can hit 800 this year and send another $14,000 check to the Hilinskis? As an extra benefit, the first 400 orders will receive a Hilinski’s Hope bracelet that you can either wear yourself or pass along to someone else who doesn’t yet have one.

One other thing: When you purchase your snazzy shirt, you’ll have the opportunity to also make a cash donation. Feel free to do that!

Go get your t-shirt. Let’s give Hilinski’s Hope the money it needs to fulfill its mission to make a difference in the lives of student-athletes at WSU and around the country.

Big thanks, by the way, to Butte Brand for making this happen! Butte Brand is an awesome company whose mission is “to promote adventure, create a culture and, most importantly, give back,” as a portion of every sale goes back to water- and land-based non-profits. If you happen to buy any other Butte Brand apparel while you’re there, you’ll be supporting the Coastal Conservation Association, and as a bonus, you’ll save on the shipping as it’ll be sent with your UNIT3D shirt(s).

And always remember:

If you feel like you are suffering in silence, tell someone and don’t be afraid to seek out help. It can get better. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports