The MICDS Athletic Department and Win With Wellness student group partnered with John Burroughs School to plan the annual Coaches vs. Cancer basketball games on February 10. The Coaches vs. Cancer games are always a highlight for MICDS students, but this year marked the first time our School partnered with JBS on this important fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Win With Wellness co-chairs Whitney Williamson ’17 and Allie Niemann ’17 met with Burroughs students to decide on the evening’s theme, “Unite to Fight,” design the t-shirt, coordinate publicity and plan the raffles. Students who purchased a pink t-shirt in advance of the games received a raffle ticket. At halftime of the boys’ game, drawings were held for gift cards and the grand prize, green seats at a Cardinals game. Special thanks to MICDS parent Richard Spencer and Kassmo Products for donating the t-shirts.
“Everyone has been touched by cancer – we have all lost people we love. We thought bringing students together for this cause that touches so many would elevate the spirit of the evening, and it certainly did,” said Stacey Morgan, Head Athletic Trainer and Win With Wellness Advisor. “The sea of pink filling the gym was a fantastic sight.” Posters representing many different kinds of cancer, giving facts and prevention tips, decorated the gym, and those in attendance were invited to add names of loved ones lost to cancer to a designated memory wall.
“This year was really cool because not only was our fan section pink but so was JBS. This hasn’t ever happened and while a lot of people were skeptical of dressing the same as our rivals, it was really cool and important to come together to fight for something much bigger than a basketball game win,” said Allie Niemann. “We still had that friendly rivalry during the game but looking around and seeing everyone wearing the same color or shirt was really inspirational and showed how we can easily come together to fight for something bigger than us all.”
Whitney Williamson agrees that this year’s event offered something special. “The Coaches vs. Cancer games are definitely highlights of the entire school year, but this one was extra special. It was the biggest turnout I have ever been a part of and every student in the stands was actively involved in the fundraising process. The fact that we partnered with JBS to unite to fight was such a cool moment and I really hope it can become a tradition in the future!”
The event raised $7,500 for the American Cancer Society. Over the past several years, MICDS has raised more than $200,000 to fight cancer through the Coaches vs. Cancer games and other special events.