University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: Jerry E. Lee
Fifth Annual Coaches vs. Cancer Tipoff Dinner Reaches New Heights
11/4/2019 4:10:00 PM | Men's Basketball
For the fifth straight year, Minnesota head men's basketball coach Richard Pitino and the Gophers gathered with community supporters to help raise money for the fight against cancer. With its largest turnout yet, the Coaches vs. Cancer Tipoff Dinner raised more than $117,000 on Sunday evening at Interlachen Country Club.
Now half a decade in, Pitino and the event have raised nearly half a million dollars with all proceeds from Sunday's event benefitting the Richard M. Schulze Family Hope Lodge adjacent to the U's campus in Minneapolis. The Hope Lodge provides accommodations and support to families and patients during their time fighting the disease.
The event began with a social hour, where attendees could meet and greet the Gophers team while posing for pictures. After dinner was served, the program was emceed by the voice of the Gophers, radio broadcaster Mike Grimm, and featured Pitino introducing each member of the team while previewing the season. A live auction was held, in which exclusive experiences and prizes were offered. Among them were a chance to join the team on a road trip, take part in a VIP experience at a home game, as well as chances to spend time with Coach Pitino and much more.
Following the live auction, guests heard from cancer survivor James Gardner, who credited his experience at the Hope Lodge in New York City with helping him defeat cancer.
Minnesota opens the 2019-20 season on Tuesday, hosting Cleveland State at 7 p.m. at Williams Arena.
Now half a decade in, Pitino and the event have raised nearly half a million dollars with all proceeds from Sunday's event benefitting the Richard M. Schulze Family Hope Lodge adjacent to the U's campus in Minneapolis. The Hope Lodge provides accommodations and support to families and patients during their time fighting the disease.
The event began with a social hour, where attendees could meet and greet the Gophers team while posing for pictures. After dinner was served, the program was emceed by the voice of the Gophers, radio broadcaster Mike Grimm, and featured Pitino introducing each member of the team while previewing the season. A live auction was held, in which exclusive experiences and prizes were offered. Among them were a chance to join the team on a road trip, take part in a VIP experience at a home game, as well as chances to spend time with Coach Pitino and much more.
Following the live auction, guests heard from cancer survivor James Gardner, who credited his experience at the Hope Lodge in New York City with helping him defeat cancer.
Minnesota opens the 2019-20 season on Tuesday, hosting Cleveland State at 7 p.m. at Williams Arena.
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