Groups team up to attack cancer

Score one for the good guys. The fight against cancer sunk a solid shot on the deadly disease, thanks to a benefit event held last night at the Nittany Lion Inn, 200 W. Park Ave.

The event, called the Sy Barash Coaches vs. Cancer/IKON 3-Point Attack Kick-Off Dinner, revolved around a ball -- a basketball -- and the wonderful effects that orange sphere can have when it leaves the fingers of University basketball players.

For each 3-point shot sunk by the Nittany and Lady Lions this season, participating businesses and individuals will donate a fixed dollar amount, said Tere Rill, executive director of the Centre Unit of the American Cancer Society, which benefited from last night's dinner.

"The real heart of the program is students and fans pledging amounts like 10 cents a shot," she said. "It all adds up."

The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a partnership between the National Association of Basketball Coaches and American Cancer Society, according to a news release. The program intends to increase awareness of the dangers of tobacco use among high school and college students; to assist in the education and prevention of cancer among basketball participants and fans; and to increase funds for cancer research, education and patient services, according to the release.

Last year, the program raised more than $60,000 for research and educational programs and services for cancer patients and their families in Centre County, Rill added.

Furthermore, money from the philanthropy also will go toward University scholarships, said Karla Wallace, 3-point attack director for the Undergraduate Student Government, which, along with Centre Community Hospital, sponsored last night's event.

Following comments by Nittany Lion basketball coach Jerry Dunn, guest speaker and well-known college basketball broadcaster Billy Packer addressed the audience.

"There's a real neat commitment there," Packer said prior to the dinner. "It's genuine. The people are really behind this."

Hopefully, the philanthropy will grow every year, said Athletic Director Tim Curley.

"(Cancer is) one of the most important diseases we can find a cure for," he said. "But we just want to do our best to continue the fight and find a cure."