SLIAC Coaches vs. Cancer Challenge Collects Over $3,000
After collections for the annual SLIAC Coaches vs. Cancer partnership, the conference has raised over $3,000 for the American Cancer Society, with all money going directly to The Hope Lodge. This marks the third year that the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has partnered with the American Cancer Society, highlighting Coaches vs. Cancer week with participation conference-wide from league members.
"We want to thank all of the SLIAC players, coaches, and administrators for their support and thoughtful giving," said Ashley Hale, Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society - North Region.
For the third straight year, Westminster College raised the most money in the conference-wide initiative, collecting over $800 this past winter. Fontbonne University teamed up with Webster University to bring in nearly $550. The two teams held their Coaches vs. Cancer event during the annual Battle of Big Bend, a men's and women's basketball doubleheader between the cross-town rivals. Remembrance ribbons were sold, as were cupcakes, and even the school's athletic directors and mascots got into the competition with a three-point contest and a race.
Blackburn College, MacMurray College, and Iowa Wesleyan University all raised nearly $500 each during the fundraising event with collections coming from 50/50 raffles, wristbands, and text to donate. In all SLIAC schools collected $3,055 this year, bringing their three year total to $9,500.
This year also marks the first time that all SLIAC money collected during the event went directly to The Hope Lodge. The Hope Lodge is an American Cancer Society extension that offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay when receiving treatment. SLIAC Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) members decided to direct funds to The Hope Lodge after a visit this past fall where they spent the day with patients and their families.
"Your generosity and care will help many of us that are going through a very tough time, " said a resident of the American Cancer Society St. Louis Hope Lodge. "Thank you a million times over!"
The SLIAC was the first conference in any NCAA division to partner league-wide with the American Cancer Society and dedicate all proceeds to the foundation. Coaches vs. Cancer, founded in 1993, is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The initiative aims to increase cancer awareness, highlights the importance of nutrition and physical activity in reducing a person's cancer risk, and promotes the American Cancer Society's free programs and services available to those facing cancer. Since 1993, coaches have raised more than $100 million for the American Cancer Society and the fight against cancer.
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