Coaches Plan Another Hoops For Hope Gala

MERIDEN — National championship basketball coaches Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma have spent years challenging different competitors on the court. The pair has come together again to show their support for the American Cancer Society as they announce the date of their second annual Coaches vs Cancer Hoops for Hope Gala. The black tie event will be held on Saturday, November 6, at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, beginning at 7, and will be an opportunity for guests to spend a memorable evening with the coaches and their special guests while raising money to fight cancer.

Nearly 600 guests attended last year’s Hoops for Hope in October at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and nearly $250,000 net was raised at the inaugural gala. Special guests included many nationally prominent coaches including Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim, St Joseph’s Phil Martelli, Depaul’s Dave Leitao, and Central Connecticut’s Howie Dickenman, as well as broadcast personalities Jay Bilas from ESPN and WTIC-1080’s Joe D’Ambrosio. Many former players for Geno Auriemma turned out to support the cause including Rebecca Lobo-Rushin and Jen Rizzotti.

After attending Coaches vs Cancer functions in other areas of the country, Coaches Auriemma and Calhoun approached the American Cancer Society about uniting for a Coaches vs Cancer event. They wanted to work together on what they both feel is a paramount goal: beat cancer. With assistance from their wives, Kathy and Pat, the coaches are working hands-on to enhance an already remarkable affair, and are rallying the support of personal, corporate, basketball, and broadcast friends to execute their game plan.

“When Geno and I first talked about getting involved with Coaches vs Cancer, I had no idea the work of the American Cancer Society would touch me so personally,” said Coach Calhoun. “As a result of my diagnosis, I have learned what critical roles lifestyle, diet, prevention, and early detection play in helping to save lives. These are the things that the American Cancer Society communicates every day. Geno and I are a united voice to get the message out that we need to fight something that has stricken almost every one of us in one way or another, and we’re backing our words with personal donations and encouraging others to give. You don’t know if it’s my dollar or yours that will make the difference in finding the cure,” he said.

“We’re putting on an [Coaches vs Cancer] event that’s been done in some other places, and done with a lot of success,” Coach Auriemma said, “but I don’t think anybody else is going to do it the way [Jim and I] can do it. I don’t think there’s another area of the country where two basketball coaches can get together and generate the interest and the support that we can. Last year was a perfect example of that. I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Jim, again, to host this extraordinary event.”

Monaco Ford is underwriting the entertainment for the evening by bringing The Hip Pocket Orchestra from Boston to Uncasville. Floral décor will be designed and underwritten by Filene’s. Lux Bond & Green and Munson’s Chocolates are pairing up for a sweet and sparkling surprise. Event sponsorships and individual tickets are available by contacting Marie Greco at marie.greco@cancer.org or 203-379-4876.

“The American Cancer Society is delighted to have two nationally prominent college basketball coaches participating in our Coaches vs Cancer program,” said Jim Satalin, national director of Coaches vs Cancer for the society. “The awareness that Jim and Geno bring to our mission will certainly assist us in reaching the residents of Connecticut with the messages of cancer prevention and early detection. Hoops for Hope also raises the vital funds needed to continue our research, education, advocacy, and service.”