ARLINGTON — For the third year in a row, Arlington High School’s basketball program is hosting the Coaches vs. Cancer game, this year on Friday, Jan. 18, against Monroe at 7:15 p.m.
“The game began four years ago when the Wesco league boys basketball coaches decided to participate in this event — ironically the same year I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Caryn Brown, event organizer and wife of AHS varsity head coach Nick Brown. “In 2011, Arlington hosted its first CvC game and the students and fans decided to wear pink to support Coach Brown. The fans still wear pink to continue to show their support for cancer awareness.”
The Coaches vs. Cancer game is a special fundraising event that raises money for the local Relay For Life, proceeds from which are donated to the American Cancer Society. The teams host raffles, games and more. In 2012, the event raised $1,900.
“This year we are hoping to double what we raised last year and raise $4,000 during this event,” said Brown. “We will have gift basket raffles available at the entrance. We will be selling gift items such as jewelry, hats and hair clips. During halftime fans will have a chance to win $100 with a half-court winning shot. During halftime we also host a Pop-A-Shot contest.”
The fundraiser represents a feeling of community for the people of Arlington — especially the Eagles basketball team — because the first game coincided with Brown’s breast cancer diagnosis. Even four years later, it’s still a symbol of how members of the community can support cancer research to honor their neighbors.
“Due to the fact that most of us have been touched by cancer somehow, we feel this is an important game for our students, our fans, the community and also our opposing team,” said Brown, who noted that survivors present during the game are considered Honorary Coaches. “Not only do we raise awareness of the battle against cancer during this game, but we also do our best to raise funds for ACS. This game allows us to bring awareness to cancer in a different way — through a basketball game in a high school gymnasium — just another way to reach a diverse crowd and show them ways Arlington and ACS can help.”
Coaches vs. Cancer is sponsored by Cascade Valley Hospital, which will have representatives handing out free pink pompoms for the first 1,000 guests.
“This will be a really fun event,” said Jennifer Egger, community relations director for Cascade Valley Hospital and publicity co-chair for Relay For Life. “We encourage everyone to bring change for the raffles. We’ll have a pink gym and a ceremony for cancer survivors. It will be great.”
Attendees can look forward to a few new additions to the event this year, including the Hubb’s Dine and Donate event on Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., when Hubb’s Pizza and Pasta will donate 10 percent of all orders to the Coaches vs. Cancer game. Arlington High School students are hosting a dance right after the game and all students are encouraged to attend, as the proceeds will be donated to ACS.
Cascade Valley Hospital will be present with giveaways at the entrance and the local Relay For Life representatives will offer information to all attendees.
For more information visit the Coaches vs. Cancer website at www.cvcarlington.com.
