FOREST, Va. --- Prior to the 2017-18 Division III basketball seasons, the ODAC announced a new partnership with V University virtual campus for supporting cancer research. As proud as the conference members were to announce the relationship, it doesn't match the satisfaction following the success of the first year's worth of sponsored events.
The ODAC men's and women's basketball programs each conducted events in conjunction with select home games to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, as well as a few other subsidiaries and causes. Thru those events, conference schools generated more than $6,200 of charitable donations in addition to programming to support both organizations.
"This is a great first step in our partnership with V University," explained ODAC commissioner Brad Bankston. "Our member institutions have a history of strong charitable alliances thru the many years of the conference's association with Special Olympics. That focus is further emphasized by the combined success of this first season with V University. I look forward to continuing to grow this partnership."
RELATED: About V University | About the V Foundation | About the Kay Yow Cancer Fund
V University is a collaboration between two non-profit leaders in fundraising -- the V Foundation for Cancer Research and Kay Yow Cancer Fund. All funds raised through V University platforms will benefit the V Foundation and Kay Yow Cancer Fund and will support young scientists researching general cancers and all women’s cancers.
"It was exciting to see the schools, coaches, student athletes, and communities rally around events promoting awareness and raising funds for great causes," said Christine Clancy, head women's basketball coach at Washington and Lee University and chair of the ODAC Women's Basketball Coaches Committee. "Each team put a great deal of thought and care in choosing an event that was important to their program and community."
The V Foundation, most visibly thru its annual "Jimmy V Week" with key collaborator ESPN, and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund resonate with individuals from all arenas in the continued search for better treatments and cures for cancers of all types. The collaboration thru V University brings together two of the most influential charitable organizations in athletics, furthering the growth of their resources and reaching collegiate campuses and audiences in new engaging avenues.
"To partner with V University this year was an absolute honor," said Hilliary Scott, head men's basketball coach at Lynchburg College and chair of the ODAC Men's Basketball Coaches Committee. "We were excited to have the opportunity to raise money and awareness for this great organization. That excitement was evident with participation from both men's and women's teams throughout our league. "The ODAC is anxious to make this bigger and better in the future as we set our sights on the ultimate goal of finding a cure."
V University provides a diverse community of students the opportunity to experience inspirational messages from two legendary college basketball coaches: Jim Valvano’s words of determination — “Don’t Give Up . . . Don’t Ever Give Up”®— and Kay Yow’s influence on positive-thinking — “When life kicks you, let it kick you forward.” The virtual campus provides the support needed to create events of all types and sizes and also includes the latest in peer-to-peer fundraising, via Teamraiser.
For more information, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the ODAC's home on the Internet at www.odaconline.com. Don't forget to become a fan of the ODAC on Facebook and follow the @odac athletics Twitter and Instagram!