Since it's inception in 1993, Coaches vs Cancer has raised more than 23 million dollars. This program enables the American Cancer Society to support important work, including ground breaking research that saves lives, education, advocacy, and patient services.
Once again the IBCA has designated the month of January as Coaches vs Cancer month for high school basketball in Indiana. Last season, the boys' and girls' coaches from across the state responded in a big way. Over $60,000 was raised. Once again we are asking every boys' and girls' coach to pick a game during the month of January and promote Coaches vs Cancer by wearing sneakers during that game or other creative approaches (see list below).
Once you have determined the date for your Coaches vs Cancer game, please email this information to Gene Milner (gmilner@tds.net) so we can list the game dates on our Coaches vs Cancer calendar. During the game we are asking you to pass a container through the crowd (or make one available at your ticket counter) for fans to make donations. Checks should be made out to the American Cancer Society. After the game we ask you to do the following email or write Steve Witty to let him know you participated and how much money was collected. Bob Lovell of WIBC Indiana Sports Talk Radio would also like to hear how much you collected. Send a check for the amount collected (payable to the American Cancer Society) to Steve Witty, PO Box 638, Plainfield, IN 46168, who will forward it to the Coaches vs Cancer office or you can send it directly to your local American Cancer Society Office.
Please make plans now and include a Coaches vs Cancer game on your schedule of games for this season. Our goal is 100% participation of all high schools in Indiana.
Promotional Ideas for Coaches vs Cancer
- Coins for Cancer / Bring Loose Change
- Home Room Competition
- Signed Basketball Raffle (Wilson will donate basketballs)
- Posters in memory of cancer victims
- Donate money to put up poster with name of cancer survivor
- Paper Airplanes at halftime (Fans pay $1 when they enter gym. For prizes, fans try to fly their paper airplane into the center of jump circle)
- Coaches or players wear pink socks
- Cheerleaders wear pink socks and pink bows
- Sell designed T-Shirts
- Some Athletic Directors donate $1 for each ticket purchased
- Classes set up dontation buckets at home games
- Dress down day for high schoolers
- Pink warm-up shirts and pink shoe laces
- Silent Auction
- Proceeds from sales of cookies or ice cream during lunch break
