Swish Away Cancer

Cancer. It's a word no one wants to hear, and a battle no one wants to fight. Yet, for millions of people around the world, it's a reality they face every single day. The hope is that one day, cancer will no longer cast its shadow over our lives, but until then, communities continue to rally together in the fight for a cure.

Locally, two school basketball teams are stepping up to make a difference. The Salamanca Lady Warriors present the 5th Annual Swish Away Cancer Charity Game with the Ellicottville Lady Eagles on Thursday, February 13th at Salamanca High School. EllicottvilleNOW spoke with Warrior Coach, Joe Hinman, about how the event came to be and what participants can expect at this year’s game.

eNOW: This is the 5th annual event… How did it all get started?

HINMAN: The game’s inaugural dedication in 2020 came as we lost one of our very own to cancer, Mr. Mark Chase, who served as head coach of the JV girls basketball team at the time. Since his passing, we have unfortunately lost two more impactful members in 2023 who mean a lot to our program and Salamanca community - Darren Ross and Robin Crouse. This game is dedicated to them.

eNOW: Is this event open to the public? Is there a cost of admission?

HINMAN: Everyone is welcome and there is no cost to attend; instead we will be taking donations throughout the duration of the event in different forms such as game booklets, t-shirts, monetary/Paypal, concessions, 50/50, baked goods, and our basket raffle. All proceeds will be donated to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and our local food pantries in Great Valley and Salamanca.

eNOW: What concessions will be available?

HINMAN: Our concessions will feature candy, soda, Gatorade, chips, and pizza all priced at $2 per item. Water and Ring Pops are $1.

eNOW: Can you tell us more about the t-shirt sales and basket raffle items?

HINMAN: A t-shirt table will be set up for anyone who ordered one from the online store through Jamestown Cycle Shop. They can pick up here or if anyone wishes to purchase a shirt we will have some extras for sale (supplies are limited). Our basket raffle may be our biggest form of donation: people all over the community - teachers, friends, coaches, families, businesses, etc. - all help by sending in a gift basket for the event’s raffle.

eNOW: How much has this event raised in the past, and do you have a goal for this year?

HINMAN: Our event typically, on average, raises around $1,500-$2,000 each year. In 2023, we raised $1,500 and in 2024 we doubled that by raising $3,000. We would like to double that again or beat $3,000 this year.

eNOW: Is there anything else you'd like to share with the community?

HINMAN: The Salamanca Girls Program is very grateful to be living in such a supportive community and are thankful to have the Ellicottville community join us in the fight against cancer. This game is dedicated to Mark, Darren, and Robin as we celebrate their lives in honor of this game. We all stand together in an effort to take down a terrible disease that affects so many people.

Save the date for February 13th and bring the family down to Salamanca High School, located at 50 Iroquois Drive in Salamanca, NY. Come early to look at all the raffle items up for bid. JV will play at 6:00pm and the varsity game will begin at 7:30pm. The event itself is FREE to attend. If you want to help or you just want to donate to the cause, please contact Coach Joe Hinman at jhinman@salamancany.org. You can help the Salamanca Lady Warriors and the Ellicottville Lady Eagles “Swish Away Cancer”!

Swish Away Cancer

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