Basketball legends come together for Kickin’ Cancer fundraiser
GIFFORD (WCIA) — For the tenth time, Illinois fans, community members and cancer survivors came together for one cause.
“Coaches vs. Cancer with this group of guys is beyond spectacular,” said Illinois head coach Brad Underwood.
Kickin’ Cancer hosted by Coach Underwood in partnership with Coaches Vs. Cancer brought out 1,700 people, including some of basketball’s biggest names, all in the fight against cancer.
“It’s something that these coaches give back and nice that we can blend in and help a little bit for this cause that resonates with almost every family,” said longtime Final Four announcer Bill Raftery, one of the night’s panelists.
Last year almost $450,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society, adding to the more than $2 million raised in Coach Underwood’s time at Illinois.
“We all know somebody who was affected by cancer, so it was a no brainer,” said former NCAA men’s basketball referee Bo Boroski, another speaker on the panel.
A final total of the money raised from the event will be announced at a later date, but $60,000 alone came from the paddle raise, which will then be matched by a donor.
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