COACHES vs. CANCER HIGH SCHOOL TOOL KIT

2010-2011

Coaches vs. Cancer High School Tool Kit

Thank You for Joining the Fight Page 3

Game Night Fundraising Page 4

Free Throws for the Fight ® Page 6

Coaches vs. Cancer Participation Form Page 7

Additional Information

Coaches vs. Cancer Overview Page 9

Coaches vs. Cancer Mission Page 10

Coaches vs. Cancer Council Members Page 10

Tips for a Successful Event Page 11

Coach Speaking Points Page 12

Feedback from Coaches Page 14

American Cancer Society Background Page 15

Free Throws for the Fight – Sample Parent Letter Page 17

Free Throws for the Fight – Sample Pledge Form Page 18

Free Throws for the Fight – Sample Participation Certificate Page 19

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Your Basketball Team Can Help Fight Cancer!

Thank You for Joining the Fight! Thank you for joining high school coaches from across the country in supporting Coaches vs. Cancer! This important effort with the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches strives to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and patient service programs. Since 1993, coaches have raised more than $45 million to support the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer, and we’re glad that you have decided to join in the fight! Opportunities for involvement have been broken in to two main categories: Game Night Fundraising and Free Throws for the Fight ®. Game Night Fundraising Are you looking for a quick, successful fundraiser that will show your support of Coaches vs. Cancer without adding too much to your already full schedule? Do you want to incorporate community awareness, survivor recognition, and other team aspects with a scheduled game? Many of the Game Night Fundraising options are easy to pull together and can be carried out in just one night with minimal planning – but feel free to be creative and see how far your school can go to help fight cancer! NEW FOR 2010-2011: Free Throws for the Fight ® The Perfect Tip-Off for your Game Night Events! Coaches vs. Cancer is now proud to partner with The Charity Stripe, a Chicago-based non-profit, to bring Free Throws for the Fight ® to the western United States! Through the Free Throws for the Fight program, you can request a simple kit with all the materials needed to do a basic fundraiser during practice while perfecting your free throws. See page 6 for more information. If you have any questions about participating in the Coaches vs. Cancer program, please contact Keri Mullins at keri.mullins@cancer.org or 719.388.1457.

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Your Basketball Team Can Help Fight Cancer!

Game Night Fundraising Even though these fundraisers can take place in just one night, they can make a big impact on the lives of those fighting cancer! Donate Admission Fee Pick one game and notify attendees that the entire admission fee, or a portion of the fee, will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Collection Buckets Plaster coffee cans, buckets, or other containers with the Coaches vs. Cancer logo. Post the collection buckets at the ticket sales booth or concession stand, or enlist help from the cheerleaders, pep band, or junior varsity squad to circulate throughout the crowd collecting donations at halftime. Pass the Hat Rally some support from your crowd by addressing them about the meaning behind Coaches vs. Cancer, then ‘pass the hat’ through the stands to collect donations. The crazier – and bigger – the hat, the better! Speaking points on Coaches vs. Cancer will help you let the crowd know about this important lifesaving effort (see page 12). Die Cuts Print copies of a basketball or shoe image on card stock, cut them out, and ask attendees to purchase them for a small donation. Invite the donors to write their name or a message to the team on the cards, and post them in a prominent place in the gymnasium. Concession Sales Ask the group running the concession stand if they are willing to donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to Coaches vs. Cancer – and feel free to get creative! If a flat percentage doesn’t work, see if they will donate a certain amount for every bottle of water sold, or encourage them to offer healthy options such as veggies with dip, pretzels, or fresh fruit and donate the proceeds from the healthy items. Half-Time Contests Charge fans a fee to participate in a half-time contest: free throws, three point shots, or even half-court attempts! The winner gets a prize, the participation fees benefit the American Cancer Society, and the crowd is sure to enjoy the entertainment. Be creative and find fun ways for your fans to participate both in the festivities, and in the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society. VIP Area Hollywood stars might have courtside tickets to the Lakers games, but your school can top that! Enlist the help from players, cheerleaders, and other supporters not involved in the

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night’s game to host a special courtside VIP area in the gymnasium. For a donation, invite fans to sit in comfortable chairs with special snacks and drinks delivered by the hosts. Guaranteed to be the best seat in the house! Silent Auction While dinner for two at the local restaurant might be an easy item to acquire and auction off, consider some one-of-a-kind packages that will be sure crowd pleasers! Auction off the opportunity to be guest announcer at the next game, or season tickets for the following year. Does your team captain’s mom make the best chocolate chip cookies, or is your point guard willing to donate 2 hours of yard work this spring? People will be thrilled to see what you can come up with to offer opportunities for them to support the American Cancer Society! Challenge a Rival Take the rivalry to the next level. Invite your conference rival – or the entire league – to go head to head to see which school can raise the most money for Coaches vs. Cancer. Collaborate with the other coach ahead of time to see what fundraising options work best – then spread the word and watch the fans fill the seats to support their team both on and off the court!

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Your Basketball Team Can Help Fight Cancer!

Free Throws For The Fight ® One Practice, Just 20 Minutes! Do you want to support Coaches vs. Cancer, but don’t have a lot of time or resources? Are game day activities challenging at your school? Then Free Throws for the Fight ® is for you! Free Throws For The Fight® enables and empowers the PLAYERS THEMSELVES to "Make Free Throws That Make a Difference" in the fight against cancer. And, it's easy as 1, 2, 3… 1) Players (boys and girls, all grade levels) shoot 50 free throws each during one practice 2) They collect pledges for every free throw they make 3) Coach mails donations in the provided postage paid reply envelopes ...That's it! It's A SLAM DUNK AT THE FREE THROW LINE! To participate in Free Throws for the Fight ®, simply visit: After registration, a Free Throws kit will arrive in the mail, including postage-paid return envelopes as well as:

www.acs.FreeThrowsForTheFight.com

Many schools in your area will be participating in the program on either December 1, 2010 or January 19, 2011, so be sure to register soon to be a part of this easy program!

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Coaches vs. Cancer Participation Form

Thank you for supporting the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer program! Please let us know about your event so that we may continue to support your efforts. If you have any

questions, please contact Keri Mullins at keri.mullins@cancer.org, or 719.388.1457. Part I: Contact Information

School Name Coach Name

School Address

City, State, Zip Code

Team Information (check all that apply) □ Varsity □ JV □ Other ______________

□ Boys □ Girls

Part II: Event Information Event Date Total Amount Raised

Visiting Team Was the visiting school involved in fundraising? □ Yes □ No

What types of fundraising did your school participate in? Please check all that apply: Game Night Fundraisers □ Donate Admission Fee □ Collection Buckets □ Pass the Hat □ Die Cuts □ Concession Sales

□ Half-Time Contests □ VIP Area □ Silent Auction □ Other (please explain in Comments

area below)

Free Throws For The Fight ® □ December 1, 2010 □ January 19, 2011 □ Other _________________________

Part III: Comments

Please provide comments regarding your successes and challenges. We encourage you to share any creative ideas that your school used to raise money, and please let us know if any additional resources would be helpful in the future:

Please combine all funds on a check or money order and mail, along with this form, to:

American Cancer Society, Great West Division 1445 N. Union Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

Funds raised from Free Throws for the Fight may be submitted in the postage-paid envelope provided in the kit.

For ACS Use Only Date Received: Amount Received:

SSBC Batch Number: □ Money Order □ Check Check #:

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COACHES vs. CANCER Additional Information

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Coaches vs. Cancer Overview Coaches vs. Cancer is a program founded by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches and their teams and communities to join the fight against cancer by participating in a variety of national and local events. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri’s men’s basketball program, cancer survivor, and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, was the catalyst behind the Coaches vs. Cancer concept. He started the program by challenging fans to pledge a dollar amount for every three points made by his team during the season. In 1993, the concept evolved into a nationwide effort uniting coaches across the country into the Coaches vs. Cancer program. In 1998, the Coaches vs. Cancer Council was formed to involve the most prominent coaches of men’s college basketball in guiding the program and to utilize those coaches in expanding and enhancing the Coaches vs. Cancer program. In 2008, nearly 2,000 college and high school coaches, the most ever, participated in the program. The program has now helped raise nearly $45 million for the fight against cancer. The Coaches vs. Cancer nationwide High School Program was originally launched in Pennsylvania five years ago. The program is designed to encourage school districts to become involved in the fight against cancer by recruiting student activity groups to help with the planning and execution of new Coaches vs. Cancer activities. Activities include fundraising by donating a portion of the ticket price or asking for general donations at a particular game, or hosting tournaments with the proceeds going to Coaches vs. Cancer. In addition to the coaches’ local fundraising activities and events, four national events are held each year to benefit the American Cancer Society:

Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Invitational: This elite two-day golf tournament is held in June each year, bringing college basketball and football coaches and their guests together to hit the links to help fight cancer by raising funds and awareness. The event also includes a charity auction that features sports memorabilia and other one-of-a-kind items.

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2K Sports College Hoops Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer: Each November, 16 college basketball teams from across the country compete in regional tournament play to benefit the Society, which culminates at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The semifinal and championship games are broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN2.

Suits and Sneakers Awareness Weekend: During one weekend each year,

basketball coaches raise awareness to help fight cancer by wearing sneakers with their game attire and asking their coaching staffs to do the same.

Fight Cancer in Style: Held during the NCAA Men’s Final Four weekend, this

awareness-raising brunch and premier shopping event hosted by coaches’ wives allows other wives to learn more about how they can get their schools and communities involved in the fight against cancer through the American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer program.

Coaches vs. Cancer Mission

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Coaches vs. Cancer provides critical mission outreach, while raising funds in support of the Society's lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.

Current Coach Members of the Coaches vs. Cancer Council

Jim Boeheim Syracuse University Mike Brey University of Notre Dame Jim Calhoun University of Connecticut Bobby Cremins College of Charleston (SC) Fran Dunphy Temple University Mark Few Gonzaga University Jeff Gamber York College (PA) Lon Kruger UNLV Mike Krzyzewski Duke University Phil Martelli St. Joseph’s University Oliver Purnell DePaul University Orlando “Tubby” Smith University of Minnesota Bruce Weber University of Illinois Gary Williams, Chair University of Maryland Roy Williams University of North Carolina

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Tips for a Successful Coaches vs. Cancer Event The American Cancer Society is excited to have your school participating in the fight against cancer through Coaches vs. Cancer! The Speaking Points provided will help get you up to speed on the lifesaving work done through this collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. To make the most of your efforts, consider some of the tips listed below: Invite Others to Join in the Fun! Enlist the help of cheerleaders, the boosters, the band, and other supporters to help with the planning and execution of the fundraising event. Not only will it help you out, but involving more people will enhance the spirit of volunteerism, and reach more donors! Spread the Word Once the date is set for your Coaches vs. Cancer night, get the word out to the school and community! Use the public address announcements at games leading up to the Coaches vs. Cancer night, as well as the school announcement system. Ask the local newspaper reporter that covers high school sports if he/she will work with the newspaper to spread the word, and print flyers to display at local businesses. Challenge a Rival Take the rivalry to the next level! Invite your conference rival – or the entire league – to go head to head to see which school can raise the most money for Coaches vs. Cancer. Collaborate with the other coach ahead of time to see what fundraising options work best – then spread the word and watch the fans fill the seats to support their team both on and off the court! Honor a Survivor Ask around your school to find out if any teachers, staff, or community members have recently been affected by cancer. If so, ask this person if they would allow your school to raise funds in their honor. Honoring a cancer survivor, or remembering somebody who has lost their battle, reminds everyone of the importance of the fight. Class Challenge A little friendly competition can go a long way! By inviting your freshman and junior varsity squads to take place in the Coaches vs. Cancer activities, it’s a great way to introduce them to what they might be a part of in the future, and an opportunity to garner more support for the American Cancer Society! Offer Incentives Invite players to get involved with your Coaches vs. Cancer fundraising efforts, then reward their involvement with a break from sprints after practice for the player that collects the most pledges or acquires the most silent auction items. Be Creative Nobody knows your team, your fans, and your school better than you do! Feel free to come up with your own ideas to raise money for Coaches vs. Cancer. We can’t wait to hear what kind of great ideas are happening in your community!

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Coaches Speaking Points Why are you wearing sneakers today?

• I, along with many of my fellow coaches across the country who participate in the American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer® program, am wearing sneakers today to raise awareness about the fight against cancer.

• It’s a simple act and an easy way for us to show our support for the fight against

cancer. There is a lot people can do to reduce their risk of cancer, including eating right, exercising, making healthy lifestyle choices, and following the American Cancer Society’s recommended cancer screening guidelines. If wearing sneakers with my suit will help remind people about this important message, it’s the least I can do.

• Additionally, by wearing sneakers with our suits, we want people to know that they

can join the fight against cancer or find help and support by calling the American Cancer Society anytime, day or night, at 1-800-ACS-2345 or by visiting cancer.org.

What is Coaches vs. Cancer?

• Coaches vs. Cancer is a joint effort by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches that empowers basketball coaches, schools, and communities nationwide to help fight cancer.

• As coaches, we raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society

through a variety of national and local events to help the Society continue its lifesaving work to provide hope, resources, and services to everyone facing cancer.

• Since the program began in 1993, coaches and their wives across the country have

raised more than $45 million to help fight cancer. I am proud to be associated with this program and this distinguished group of coaches that work so hard to defeat this disease.

• We hope that all of our fans and neighbors will rally together with us through

Coaches vs. Cancer to make a meaningful difference for everyone facing the disease.

How does Coaches vs. Cancer raise money and awareness to fight cancer?

• Coaches vs. Cancer hosts four national events, including the Suits and Sneakers weekend, to raise money and awareness to fight cancer.

• National events include the annual 2K Sports College Hoops Classic benefiting

Coaches vs. Cancer at Madison Square Garden in New York City. During Final Four weekend, there’s a special brunch for coaches’ wives that allows them to support the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.

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• In our local communities, some college coaches hold events such as galas and golf tournaments to promote healthy lifestyle choices and to raise awareness about the American Cancer Society as an important resource for everyone facing cancer.

• High school basketball coaches are involved by hosting fundraising events at a home

game during Suits & Sneakers week. How does the American Cancer Society make a difference in the fight against cancer?

• The American Cancer Society has been fighting cancer for 95 years and has a presence in 3,400 communities.

• The Society has more than three million volunteers, and I’m proud to be one of them.

• With contributions from generous supporters nationwide, the American Cancer

Society is saving lives from cancer every day by: o Helping people live well by educating and empowering them to avoid cancer or find it

early. o Supporting people facing cancer by helping them make decisions and overcome

obstacles in their personal cancer fight. o Investing in research that yields groundbreaking discoveries into cancer’s causes and

cures. o Helping pass laws that fight cancer and keep our communities healthy.

Why are you involved in Coaches vs. Cancer?

• For me, cancer touched my life through … Feel free to share your own personal story – your own diagnosis, the experience of your parent(s), wife, child, etc.

• This experience has intensified my drive to fight cancer; supporting the American

Cancer Society and the Coaches vs. Cancer program is the best way I can do that.

• I have faith that sooner, rather than later, we’re going to beat this disease. Scientists tell us this. Doctors tell us this. And I hope my involvement with Coaches vs. Cancer will help us get there.

In the past few years alone, we’ve seen amazing progress – the tide is turning in the fight against cancer. Coaches vs. Cancer is a powerful way for our coaching fraternity to be a part of the fight against cancer. If we continue working together, the end of this horrible disease just may be within our reach.

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Feedback from Coaches from Across the Country

"This is a special program because it brings the coaches, players and fans to one level. We all have been affected by cancer in one way or another, so together we have combined our efforts to help

control it." - Jim Boeheim, Syracuse University

"One of the greatest victories any of us will ever be part of is the day we find the cure for cancer." - Phil Martelli, St. Joseph’s University

"Too many of us have been touched by this disease. As coaches, we can help raise awareness. But the leaders of the Philadelphia corporate community are the real heroes here; their financial support is

the reason we are making a difference in the fight against cancer." - Fran Dunphy, Temple University

"My involvement in Coaches vs. Cancer has been very fulfilling. It is a way of using a high profile position to help in the fight against cancer. We have all been touched by this dreaded disease in

some way. My father, fighting cancer in the early 90's, motivated me to get involved. I am honored to be a part of the Coaches vs. Cancer team."

- Mike Brey, University of Notre Dame

“As players, coaches and fans, we are all on the same team when it comes to the fight against cancer. When cancer is defeated, this will be the biggest win that we will all share.”

- Norm Stewart, Founder of Coaches vs. Cancer

"Just as they've embraced the Gonzaga basketball program, the Spokane community has embraced the cause of fighting cancer through our Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Classic and BasketBall Gala.

Cancer has taken the lives of many of our loved ones, and unfortunately that is the case for almost everyone. We had no idea the amount of money--over one million dollars now--we've raised, but it just

goes to show that you can capitalize, in a positive way, on the success of athletics and use that excitement in the community to raise money for a worthy cause."

- Mark Few, Gonzaga University

"To beat cancer in our lifetime, that's our ultimate goal. My wife and I support the American Cancer Society because cancer has touched our family, and we know that too many of you have experienced our pain. Cancer beat my dad; I want to whip it so that more patients are survivors and fewer families

suffer." - Geno Auriemma, University of Connecticut women’s team

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Background of the American Cancer Society

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.

Research The aim of the Society’s research program is to determine the causes of cancer and to support efforts to prevent and cure the disease. The American Cancer Society is the largest source of private, nonprofit cancer research funds in the United States, second only to the federal government in total dollars spent. Beginning in 1946 with $1 million, the Society’s research program has invested $2.5 billion in cancer research. The Society has funded 40 Nobel Prize winners early in their careers. The research program focuses primarily on peer-reviewed projects initiated by beginning investigators working in leading medical and scientific institutions across the country. The research program consists of three components: extramural grants, intramural epidemiology and surveillance research, and the intramural behavioral research center. Education Knowing the facts about cancer can save lives. With both prevention and early detection information, people can take an active role in how cancer affects them. Primary cancer prevention means taking the necessary precautions to prevent the occurrence of cancer. Prevention programs are designed to help adults and children make healthy lifestyle choices that continue throughout life. The Society’s programs focus primarily on:

• Tobacco control • Relationship between diet and physical activity and cancer • Comprehensive school health education • Skin cancer reduction • Regular medical checkups and recommended cancer screenings

In addition to taking proactive steps to help prevent the disease, it’s important to know how cancer is found and what screening options are available and appropriate. Finding cancer in the earliest stage possible gives the patient the greatest chance of survival. For this reason, the Society seeks to provide the public and health care

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professionals with the latest cancer resources to help them make informed decisions. Through national conferences and workshops, audiovisual and print publications, a Web site (www.cancer.org), and the National Cancer Information Center (1-800-ACS-2345), the Society works hard to reach everyone with this lifesaving information. Advocacy Cancer is a medical, social, psychological, and economic issue, and it’s also a political issue. Policymakers at all levels of government make decisions every day that impact the lives of nearly nine million cancer survivors, their families, and all potential cancer patients. The Society’s advocacy efforts strive to influence public policies at all levels, with special emphasis on laws or regulations relating to:

• The use, sale, distribution, marketing, and advertising of tobacco products, particularly to youth

• Improved access for all Americans, particularly poor and underserved Americans, to a range of health care services for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer

• Increased federal funding and incentives for private sponsorship of cancer research to prevent and cure cancer

• Protect the rights of cancer survivors Patient Services Because cancer takes a toll on the person diagnosed as well as family and friends, the American Cancer Society offers support and service programs to try to lessen the impact. These programs cover a wide range of needs—from connecting patients with survivors to providing a place to stay when treatment facilities are far from home.

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