
Healthcare
Coaches vs. Cancer BasketBALL Gala 2017
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2017 marks the 5th Annual Coaches Gala. Held at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, festivities began at 6pm with a fun filled evening that included a silent and live auction, an amazing dinner, and fabulous live entertainment!
Though the BasketBALL is one of the area’s premier gala events the year, it’s mission is quite simple – Raise money to fight cancer.
Six-plus months of work by high school students, coaches and sponsors culminated in a record performance, with the Lackawanna League and Wyoming Valley Conference initiative raising close to $300,000, according to Scranton Prep boys basketball coach Andrew Kettel, who is chairman of the local Coaches vs. Cancer drive.
“Is it surprising? At times it does surprise me and there are other times that it doesn’t,” Kettel said. “I know the people who live here in northeastern Pennsylvania.
“When people are down and out, we rise up and are there for each other. That’s why it’s not surprising how well we do locally. Just see where we were nine years ago.”
That first year, when Kettel was coaching at Lackawanna Trail, the father of player Casey Cathrall was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was the beginning of Coaches vs. Cancer locally, and in a few weeks, raised $1,200.
On Saturday, the total raised for the American Cancer Society reached $1.5 million.
“It’s amazing, from where we started nine years ago to where we are now,” Kettel said.
Patti Lynett, wife of George V. Lynett, Times-Tribune publisher emeritus and a breast cancer survivor, was honored at the BasketBall.
Every year, one person who has battled cancer is selected for recognition at the gala.
“We wanted to honor her for the strength and dignity she has shown throughout her battle,” Kettel said.
To learn more about the American Cancer Society and Coaches vs Cancer click here.
Follow American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer of NEPA on Facebook here.
To donate to Coaches vs Cancer, click the link below.