January 17, 2007 On Sunday, February 11, 2007, for the 13th consecutive year, teams of businesses, organizations, friends and families will once again meet on the court to raise money for the Maine Children's Cancer Program at the 13th Annual Dr. Noel Paradise Memorial Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge. Coordinated by Maine's credit unions, this year's event is once again looking for teams to participate in the event to be held at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.
Since 1993, more than $75,000 has been raised through the event. The tournament is a three-on-three, co-ed, double-elimination event and is open to adults 20 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.
"When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the impact on the child and their families is unimaginable. The Maine Children's Cancer Program not only provides outstanding treatment but also provides support to help children and their families through this difficult time. 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 running, 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 comes at a very high price, not only financially but also emotionally. 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 and 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 Subway, Dead River Oil Co., TRICORP Federal Credit Union, National Semiconductor, CUNA Mutual, Captain Eli's Root Beer, Kohl's, Time Warner Cable of Maine 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 or e-mail jparadise@mainecul.org.
"In addition to playing, there a few remaining sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorships start as low as $150," added Paradise. He continued, "This event distinguishes itself from a number of other events in that all of the expenses are covered so 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. "What constitutes a team is entirely up to the participants but it's about having fun for a good cause," added Paradise.
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