Oliver Purnell Announces Cancer Benefit Date

Second annual event takes place Tuesday October 6th

By: Clemson athletics | News Channel 7
Published: July 15, 2009

Clemson, S.C. – Men’s basketball coach Oliver Purnell announced Wednesday he will hold a second straight preseason fundraiser in an effort to support Coaches vs. Cancer, a partner of the American Cancer Society. “Oliver & Vicky Purnell’s Tigerfest 09”, sponsored by Blue Ridge Security Systems and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Owen Pavilion at Clemson’s Conference Center & Inn. The 2008 fundraiser was a tremendous success, as Purnell presented a check to Coaches vs. Cancer for $100,000 prior to last season’s home game against Wake Forest on Jan. 17.

The event will run from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will feature live entertainment from the band Groove Planet, men’s basketball team introductions, food and beverages. For the second straight year, a silent auction will be held. However, a live auction is also slated for this year’s event, with all proceeds benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. All tickets to the event will be pre-sold for a $100 donation. Keshana Ham (864-656-2217) of the men’s basketball office will be the contact person for ticket information. Other questions regarding the event can be directed to clemsontigerfest@gmail.com.

“Vicky and I are committed to doing everything we can to wipe out cancer in our lifetimes,” Purnell said. “We are thrilled that with the help of the extended Clemson family, we can do our part.”

The American Cancer Society statistics estimate that 562,340 people will die from the effects of cancer in 2009 alone. This averages out to over 1,500 people per day. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers coaches to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Since the concept was adopted in 1993, more than 500 coaches are involved in the program and nearly $50 million has been raised to increase cancer awareness.