Play 4Kay is an opportunity for a
nation of coaches to raise breast cancer awareness and funds for research on
the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The official charity is
the Kay Yow Cancer Fund in partnership with The V Foundation and Women's
Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). Help the Kay Yow Cancer Fund reach the fundraising goal of
$1 million. Coach Yow's Play 4Kay goal was to one day raise $5 million through the February
initiative. To her it was simple - 5,000 participants raising $1,000 each
totaling to $5M. Last year we raised $650,000, this year the Kay Yow Cancer Fund wants to reach the
$1M milestone.
HISTORY
The late Kay Yow, former NC State
University head women's basketball coach, served as the catalyst for Play 4Kay
after her third recurrence of breast cancer in 2006. Yow was first diagnosed
with breast cancer in 1987, and passed away on January 24, 2009.
Since 2006, thousands have joined Coach Yow's team in the fight against breast
cancer and raised over $1.5 million for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
The America East men’s and women’s basketball teams will promote
Breast Cancer Awareness throughout the month of February with events across the
nine campuses. Here is a look at the schedule of events for each school:
Albany
When: Thursday, Feb.
21 vs. Boston U. – 7 p.m.
What: Albany
Athletics and the Women’s Basketball program celebrate their annual Breast
Cancer Awareness Night. Pink T-shirts will be handed out at the door and all
fans are encouraged to wear pink. Breast cancer survivors will be honored
throughout the game, which is broadcasted on ESPN3.
Boston University
When:
Saturday, Feb. 16 vs. New Hampshire – 1 p.m.
What: Boston
U. celebrates its annual Play4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness Game. The first 500
fans will receive pink Boston U. basketball t-shirts. There also will be a
raffle with proceeds going to Play4Kay starting on Saturday, January 12 at the
basketball doubleheader. Pink uniforms, prizes, memorabilia, tickets and more
will be raffled off. You can also pick-up a vouched at the women’s basketball
game vs. New Hampshire and bring it to the men’s game on February 17 for a
chance to win an iPad2.
Hartford
When:
Sunday, Feb. 17 vs. Albany
What:
Hartford celebrates its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day as well as Women in
Sports Day. There will be a pink t-shirt giveaway along with much more.
Maine
When: Saturday,
Feb. 9 vs. Albany
What: Maine
will push for raising $10,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness, which the Black
Bears achieved last year. If the goal is met, head coach Richard Barron will
shave his head, and the largest pledge gets to be an honorary coach for the day
along with a breast cancer survivor who will be invted to join the team. Breast
cancer survivors also will be honored at halftime. To donate, visit: www.play4kay.org/maineblackbears
UMBC
When: Wednesday, Feb.
13 vs. New Hampshire - 7 p.m.
What: UMBC
will celebrate Play4Kay by selling pink t-shirts and raffling off an iPad with
all proceeds going to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. A representative from
St. Agnes Breast Cancer Center also will be at the game, offering information
about breast cancer. UMBC will partner with Girl Scouts of Central Marylandand HCYP.
New Hampshire
When: Feb.
23 vs. Binghamton - 1 p.m.
What: Come
help the Wildcats support the fight against breast cancer in their annual
Play4Kay game!
Stony Brook
When: Feb. 2 vs. New Hampshire - 2 p.m.
What: Help the Seawolves support Breast Cancer Awareness by wearing pink! Fans who attend the game wearing pink will be admitted free! The school also will be collected donations for Play4Kay. Stony Brook will be wearing pink socks and shoelaces and the coaching and athletic department staff will be wearing pink as well!
Vermont
When: Tuesday,
Feb. 12 – Men vs. Boston U. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb.
13 - Women vs. Boston U. – 7 p.m.
What: Both
men’s and women’s teams will be wearing special pink Adidas uniforms for the
contest. There will be a silent auction in the lobby of Patrick Gymnasium
throughout the game where fans can bid on a game-worn jersey. Bidding will
close 10 minutes after the game ends. Pink paper basketball also will be on
sale for $1.00 each and will be hung in the balcony of the gym. Fans can write
their name or donate the basketball in memory of someone.
Half of the
proceeds from the jersey, paper basketball and merchandise items will be donated
to the Vermont Cancer Center.
Ticket
packages for the game are available. Fans can buy a ticket to the men’s game on
the 12th or the women’s game on the 13th for $14.
Prior to the start of each
game a jersey will be presented to Vermont Cancer Center and Buffalo Wild Wings
