UConn’s Calhoun To Speak At ACS Broadway In The Hills

WILTON — He may not be known for his singing, but when it comes to inspiring leadership, University of Connecticut head basketball coach Jim Calhoun has quite a track record. Coach Calhoun will speak about his experience as a cancer survivor at the American Cancer Society’s Broadway In The Hills event in Middlebury, on June 6, beginning at 4 pm.

Coach Calhoun has cemented his place among coaching greats with the American Cancer Society’s Coaches Vs Cancer program, where he has served on the national council for the past five years. He has participated in a high-end national golf event for more than a decade and his group has been personally responsible for raising more than $100,000 during that time.

His annual charity bike ride supports the work of the society in Connecticut.

Coach Calhoun has had his UConn Huskies play in the society’s CvC Classic in New York City two times; he has co-hosted a gala in Connecticut for two years and his advocacy work on the cancer front included a visit to Washington, D.C., to participate in the cancer society’s Lobby Day on the Hill.

Coach Calhoun is no stranger to the American Cancer Society’s research program. A featured guest at the “Broadway event” in Westport, he was honored by the American Cancer Society New England Division with the Champions of Hope Award in 2005.

Broadway in the Hills is a late afternoon outdoor cabaret-style affair that features a medley of musical performances by Broadway singers and actors, including Bethel resident Terry Eldh, Ted Keegan, and pianist Marvin E. Laird. These performers are veterans of Broadway and opera stage. 

A volunteer committee is organizing the event, which will celebrate the progress made in cancer research and will raise money in support of a cancer research project by an approved American Cancer Society scientist. Members of the committee leading this effort include Maureen Donnarumma, Elizabeth Reilly, Danielle Shaker, Robin Sousa, and Sharon Zilahy of Woodbury; Carlotta Garthwaite of Southbury; and Faith L’Heureux of Middlebury.

“We are excited to welcome Jim Calhoun and once again bring this unique and highly entertaining event to the Connecticut Hills,” said American Cancer Society Director of Distinguished Giving Robin Flay. “Broadway in the Hills raises money for the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving and highly successful research grant program. We are proud to work with the community in bringing this inspiring event to the hills.”

The American Cancer Society Research Program is the nation’s largest private funder of cancer research. American Cancer Society funds scientists with cutting-edge ideas that have led to many breakthroughs in cancer treatment and 44 of these researchers have gone on to win the Nobel Prize for their work.

The Broadway in the Hills Committee is asking for a minimum gift of $150 per person. Leadership giving opportunities are available. 

For more information about Broadway in the Hills, contact Robin Flay at 203-563-1516 or via email at robin.flay@cancer.org.