The Gannon University women’s basketball program is partnering with the AHN Cancer Institute at Saint Vincent Hospital for this Saturday’s CARE game, a fundraiser for patients. Christine Bowen, Executive Director of Development at Saint Vincent’s says the money raised really makes a difference.
“Cancer is an expensive issue for many people because you have loss of work, you’re unable to make those wages at that time. So this CARE game is really supporting immediate needs for patients,” Bowen said
The CARE game is Saturday at 1 PM at the Hammermill Center, with free admission and many opportunities to donate to the fundraiser.
Full release below:
ERIE, Pa. – The Gannon women’s basketball inaugural CARE Game will tipoff Jan. 25 during the Knights’ PSAC contest vs. East Stroudsburg. Head coach Cleve Wright and the women’s basketball team announced the new initiative earlier this season in place of the annual PINK Zone Game.
The Knights partnered with the Allegheny Health Network to raise awareness and funds for local cancer survivors and their immediate needs. The funds raised will go directly to the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute at Saint Vincent Hospital and provide cancer survivors with the purchasing prescriptions, wigs, family meals, gas cards, transportation, and more.
Prior to the event, the players will be selling shirts to help raise money for the cause. The team is in competition with each other to see who can raise the most. At the game on Jan. 25, there will be a raffle in the main lobby. Fans can purchase raffle tickets through the third quarter and enter in a chance to win baskets from local sponsors, including Chick-Fil-A and Ambridge Rose Salon & Spa. Ambridge Rose will also be in the lobby with lavender hair extensions and a portion of the proceeds will be donated directly to the cause.
Cancer survivors are encouraged to attend the game. They will receive free admissions to the game and a gift bag from the team. Gannon football players will be there to show them to their special reserved seating, the lacrosse team will be there to help with donations during the game, while the volleyball team will be in the lobby to help educate fans on cancer detection and prevention.
If you would like to make a donation, provide a raffle basket, purchase a CARE Game t-shirt, v-neck, or long sleeve shirt, please contact Gannon women’s basketball coach Ali Bouman at 814-871-5791 or bouman001@gannon.edu. Shirts will be sold through the game on Saturday and orders will be placed for later pick up if sold out.
