Coaches Making a Difference

Basketball coaches nationwide participate in a variety of local and national events to raise funds and awareness for Coaches vs. Cancer. You can make a difference by learning more about the following activities and events.

National Coaches vs. Cancer Events

Coaches vs. Cancer Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer

The Coaches vs. Cancer Classic is the nation's premier, preseason college basketball tournament that offers spectators and fans some of the most exciting college basketball in the country and the chance to help the American Cancer Society make a difference in the fight against cancer.  Proceeds from ticket sales to this tournament Champion Round benefits the Coaches vs. Cancer program. Since it began, the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic has generated nearly $4 million for the American Cancer Society during the last 12 years.

Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend

Suits and Sneakers awareness weekend, gives coaches and coaching staff nationwide the chance to raise awareness of the many ways people can reduce their risk of cancer, like eating right, exercising, making healthy lifestyle choices, and following the American Cancer Society's recommended cancer screening guidelines by wearing sneakers with their suits while coaching. Corporations and individuals are encouraged to join their favorite teams and coaches in the fight against cancer by Suits and Sneakers Challenge. Individuals make a donation to Coaches vs. Cancer for the opportunity to wear sneakers to work for a day or a series of days leading up to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Final Four each year.

For more information regarding Suits and Sneakers, contact Loren Deal, national project coordinator, at 404-417-5971 or Loren.Deal@cancer.org.

Fight Cancer in Style!

Coaches’ wives and families aren’t just sitting on the sidelines in the fight against cancer—they’re taking center court with their involvement in Coaches vs. Cancer! Fight Cancer in Style is an exclusive brunch, networking opportunity, and boutique shopping event held during the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

This awareness-raising event is hosted by coaches’ wives and allows other wives to learn more about getting involved in the fight against cancer in their schools and communities.

For more information regarding Fight Cancer in Style!, contact Loren Deal, national project coordinator, at 404-417-5971 or Loren.Deal@cancer.org.

Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Invitational

This friendly yet competitive golf outing for coaches raises funds to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to saves lives and create a world with more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer. 

For more information regarding Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Invitational, contact Loren Deal, national project coordinator, at 404-417-5971 or Loren.Deal@cancer.org or Jim Satalin, national program director, Jim.Sataline@cancer.org or 315-433-5620.

Officials vs. Cancer

As an expansion of the Coaches vs. Cancer program, referees are asked to donate a portion of their game fee to the American Cancer Society. This initiative starts during Suits and Sneakers weekend and concludes with an announcement of the monies raised during the National Association of Basketball Coaches' presentation at the Final Four.

For more information about Officials vs. Cancer, contact Jim Satalin, national program director, 315-433-5620, or email Jim.Sataline@cancer.org.

Local Coaches vs. Cancer Events

The Coaches vs. Cancer program encourages coaches to engage with their community by organizing and hosting their own fundraising events. To find out if there are any Coaches vs. Cancer events in your area or alma mater, visit coachesvscancer.org.