Help ’Swish-Out’ Childhood Cancer With Maine’s Credit Unions

Monday, January 14, 2008

On Sunday, February 10, 2008, Maine's longest-running, continuous 3-on-3 benefit basketball tournament will again take place at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. The 14th Annual Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge is currently seeking teams to participate in this year's event.  Coordinated by Maine's credit unions, teams of businesses, friends and family, and nearly any other combination are once again sought to participate in the event which benefits the Maine Children's Cancer Program.

Since it began in 1993, more than $96,000 has been raised through the event.  The tournament is a three-on-three, co-ed, double-elimination event and is open to adults 19 or older.  The entry fee is still only $100.00 per team and all funds raised go directly to the Maine Children?s Cancer Program.  The Tournament field is limited to the first 36 teams to enter.  Teams come from all over Maine and New Hampshire.   

"The focus of this event is, first and foremost, on helping to raise money to help the children and their families who come to the Maine Children's Cancer Program.  Many teams are long-time participants and lots of players bring their whole families for the day.  This event is about having a good time for a good cause.  Unfortunately, insurance does not cover all of the costs associated with cancer and, since the Maine Children's Cancer Program never turns any child away, the financial resources necessary to provide all of these services is significant.  This event is the longest, continuous charity basketball tournament in Maine and is unique in the fact that 100% of all funds raised through this event go directly to the cause.  Treating childhood cancer is not only done clinically but also emotionally and that is very expensive so raising funds is essential to the Program.  The Maine Children's Cancer Program treats not only the child but also the entire family and that is what makes it one of the top programs in the country," explained Jon Paradise, Governmental & Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League and the founder of the long-running event.  

This year's event is once again coordinated by the Maine Credit Union League and sponsored in part by Dead River Oil Co., TRICORP Federal Credit Union, National Semiconductor, Wal-Mart, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Hammond Lumber, Captain Eli?s Root Beer, Kohls, Time Warner Cable and WPOR (101.9) Radio.   

Teams may be of any size with the only stipulation being that a member of the opposite sex is on the court at all times. Participants receive a prize just for playing and t-shirts.  Plaques are awarded to the top four teams and there is also a Silent Auction held in conjunction with the event.  Again, space is limited to the first 36 teams to register.

For an entry form, sponsorship information and/or for more information, please contact Jon Paradise at the Maine Credit Union League at (207) 773-5671, ext. 273.

"In addition to playing, there a few remaining sponsorship opportunities.  Sponsorships start as low as $150," added Paradise.  He continued, "I cannot emphasize enough that every dollar raised through entry fees and sponsorships goes directly to helping children with cancer and their families."

While businesses make up the majority of teams that participate in the tournament, Paradise said that some teams are made up of family members, friends, and neighbors.  "A team is defined by the participants because this event is about making a difference for children with cancer and their families," added Paradise.