UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA & AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY TEAM UP

FLORENCE - The American Cancer Society of The Shoals and the University of North Alabama teamed up for the inaugural Coaches vs. Cancer Basket Ball on August 22, 2009 at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Conference Center.

Guests, who attend this upscale event, were treated with a gourmet dinner, live music performed by Replay, live and silent auctions and much more. This year’s event raised over $100,000 for the American Cancer, enabling the organization to continue to offer programs in the Shoals community, such as Look Good…Feel Better, College Scholarships, Transportation Grants, Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group, and many more. This year’s event was hosted by Coach Bobby Champagne and his wife Anna.

In attendance of this inaugural event included Lt. Governor Jim Folsom Jr. and his wife Marsha, Hall of Fame Basketball Coach, Jim Boeheim and his wife Juli. ESPN Commentator Rece Davis attended as the Master of Ceremonies along with many influential people throughout the Alabama. Also in attendance were the UNA Men’s Basketball team and Cheerleading squad who added excitement to the sports oriented fundraising event. The University of North Alabama was honored as the Philanthropist of the Year and Senator Roger Bedford was an event honoree.  Coach Hal Self’s family received a memorial honoree and Juli Boeheim was the honorary chair. 

Coach Boeheim and Juli began The Coaches vs. Cancer Basket Ball Gala in Syracuse over 10 years ago and the event as spread to different colleges and universities throughout the United States.  This was the first event of its kind held in the state of Alabama as well as the first gala to be hosted by a Division II University. The Coaches vs. Cancer Basket Ball Gala is a sports oriented and/or black-tie fundraising event in which top supporters, corporate donors, fellow coaches, and other colleagues in the sports industry enjoy an elegant evening that benefits the American Cancer Society and shows support for your team. The Basket Ball Gala is often a celebrity-filled occasion, with appearances by NBA coaches and players, national sports commentators, recording artists, and other enthusiastic supporters. Colleges and universities across the country hold galas, which have raised significant funds for the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission. Basket Ball galas are unique and luxurious events held at prestigious venues that are a night to remember! Packed with an exciting array of activities that leave participants wanting more, the galas' featured activities can include a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, and a short program that allows guests to understand the impact of their support. These galas often include live and silent auctions, allowing attendees the opportunity to win one-of-a-kind "experience" packages, priceless team memorabilia and other treasurers.

The Shoals Coaches vs. Cancer Basket Ball was truly a festive event with several items being auctioned as well as raffled for the cancer society.  Lt. Governor Jim Folsom Jr. sang “Folsom Prison Blues” as an added feature to the event.

Coaches vs. Cancer wants to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living among students, faculty, school staff, fans, and the community at large, through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

Many people also attended a golf outing hosted by Robert Trent Jones The Shoals. Many area coaches as well as a couple of national championship coaches were in attendance.  Joining Coach Boeheim and Coach Champagne were Wimp Sanderson (Formerly of Alabama and UALR), Gary Elliott, Scott Sanderson (Lipscomb), Scott Veal (NW Shoals CC), and Cord Wright Kyle Morris Terry Fowler and Billy Gamble from the University of North Alabama.

Pat Slusher and Jean McIntyre chaired the Basket Ball. Bret Jennings chaired the golf outing. There are many people who should be thanked for a job well done. You can continue to donate to the ACS and Coaches vs. Cancer by contacting Beth Faulkner or Dorothy Gargis at the ACS office 256-767-0825. Many thanks need to go out to the many volunteers who made this event a success. 

Pictures of this event and the golf outing can be viewed by going to http://coachchampagne.shutterfly.com/