Playbook. Welcome to the team!

Transcription

1 Playbook Welcome to the team! This playbook contains everything you need to plan, organize, and host your Coaches vs. Cancer activity this season. In it, you will find information on: The Coaches vs. Cancer program What to expect when hosting Coaches vs. Cancer fundraising activities How to promote healthy living through cancer awareness activities Sample materials and templates including cancer quizzes, flyers, posters, press releases, sponsorship letters, PA announcements, and more can be downloaded at coachesvscancer.org. We wish you and your team the very best in the upcoming season, and we thank you for joining our team in the fight against cancer. Every dollar we raise is meaningful, and with your support, we can save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays! As coaches, we compete against each other, but there is something more important in life it s what you do for others and how you help others in need. Raising money for cancer research has helped a lot of people we know, but most importantly, it s helped a lot of people in our community that we don t know. Brian Fruscio, head basketball coach, Albany Academies, Albany, NY

2 What is Coaches vs. Cancer? The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). It leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to promote cancer awareness and raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Now encompassing all sports, the program offers coaches a unique opportunity to fight a disease that affects so many. With the Coaches vs. Cancer program, coaches help increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living among students, faculty and staff, fans, and the community at large through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Since 1993, high school and college coaches nationwide have raised $85 million to support the American Cancer Society s fight against cancer. About the American Cancer Society As the largest voluntary health organization in the United States, the American Cancer Society is passionately committed to saving lives from cancer. We re working to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays a world where cancer never steals another year from anyone s life. We combine our relentless passion with the wisdom of a century of experience to make this vision a reality, and we get results. Thanks in part to this work, nearly 14 million cancer survivors and countless others who have avoided the disease will celebrate another birthday this year. Together with our supporters, we are saving lives by: Helping People Stay Well We help you take steps to prevent cancer or detect it early, when it is most treatable. Whether it s helping you quit smoking or providing information on which cancer screenings are right for you, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do about it. Helping People Get Well We provide free services like transportation to and from treatment and a place to stay while receiving treatment. Whether it s the middle of the day or night, we re in your corner every minute of every day to guide you through your cancer journey. Finding Cures We are the largest private, not-for-profit funder of cancer research in the United States, and we ve played a role in nearly every major cancer breakthrough. Whether it s discovering new medications or pioneering new treatments, we are finding cancer s causes and cures. Fighting Back We work with lawmakers to make this world a healthier place. Whether it s advocating for smoke-free laws or improving access to quality health care, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. My involvement with the Coaches vs. Cancer program over the past six years has been one of the most rewarding things I ve been a part of. It s the only time of year that everyone is on the same team. Andrew Kettel, boys basketball coach, Scranton Preparatory School, Scranton, PA 2 coachesvscancer.org

3 Joining the Coaches vs. Cancer program is fun and easy! Coaches from every sport can join the Coaches vs. Cancer program to help the American Cancer Society finish the fight against cancer. We make participation as easy as possible for you by providing ideas, resources, and support that will help make your events and outreach successful. And you can take pride in knowing that the funds you help raise will support the American Cancer Society s mission to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. The coach is the key player! As a coach, you re positioned as a community leader and a role model. Joining the Coaches vs. Cancer program will help enhance your school s community relations and create a positive image for the coaching staff, your athletic program, and your school. There are many ways you can use your voice and leadership to help fight cancer, including: Increase student awareness of the importance of cancer prevention, early detection, and making healthy lifestyle choices. Serve as a local spokesperson to heighten visibility of the resources and services the Society offers to cancer patients and their families. Encourage students, faculty, and staff to participate in an American Cancer Society Relay For Life or Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in your community. Advocate for responsible public policy issues related to cancer by joining the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network SM (ACS CAN), the Society s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate. Ready to get started? Here are the next steps. Designate a regular season home game to benefit the American Cancer Society, during which you help raise funds in support of the Society s mission to eliminate cancer. Go to coachesvscancer.org and set up a fundraising page for your team. From the Web site, you can also connect with the Coaches vs. Cancer program on Facebook. Share your personal commitment to the American Cancer Society s fight against cancer with the school during assemblies, games, and meetings. Ask a highly involved student or parent to serve as a team leader who, in turn, can engage other groups, such as student council members or business class students, to help promote and raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Communicate to fans, supporters, and the student body that your team is committed to supporting the American Cancer Society through the Coaches vs. Cancer program. Challenge and encourage underclassmen teams and opposing teams to get involved in fundraising and outreach. Promote the Coaches vs. Cancer program and the American Cancer Society through various forms of media, including campus newsletters, local newspapers, television, and radio, at league meetings, and over the public address system at school and during events. Your American Cancer Society staff partner is here to help you get started and can offer you tools, tips, and materials to help make your fundraising efforts a success. You can also find additional resources at coachesvscancer.org

4 Fundraising Tips The number-one reason people don t donate to causes is because they are never asked. Fighting cancer is a cause that is easy to rally around and one that many people will gladly support. There are many ways you and your school can raise funds to support the American Cancer Society. Online Register your sports team online at coachesvscancer.org and create an online fundraising site for your event. Through this site, you and your players can join the fundraising effort by signing up as team members, and then sending s to friends and family asking for their support. You can even start a friendly competition between your players to see who can raise the most funds. Mail and You can mail, , or hand-deliver a letter to friends, neighbors, or businesses to ask for support and collect donations for your event. Feel free to adapt the sample letter provided on page 12 of this playbook, customizing it with the specifics about your event and why helping the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer is important to you. School Fundraising Events There are many ways you can get athletes, students, teachers, and parents involved in your Coaches vs. Cancer fundraising. Whether it s before, during, or after school, there are a number of ways you can make supporting the American Cancer Society a school-wide (or even community-wide) effort. We are all passionate about fighting this disease we ve all had family and friends affected by it and we want to do something about it. When you take on the role as head coach of any sports team at any level, it s not just about coaching the games it s about being a bigger part of the community. If we can help make a difference in the fight against cancer, that is an outstanding win for us. Logan Lanier, head basketball coach, University Prep High School, Detroit, MI 4 coachesvscancer.org

5 The ABCs of Fundraising to Fight Cancer Below are tips and ideas to get your fundraising efforts started. Check with your American Cancer Society staff partner if you have any questions. A Admission and Concession Sales: If there is a charge to watch the game, add $1-$2 to the fee to support the American Cancer Society. Be sure to consult with your Society staff partner to ensure compliance with any applicable regulations. Alumni Game: Host an alumni game before your event (alumni vs. alumni or alumni vs. varsity team). Take donations to watch the game! Art Show: Have art and photography students sell their own masterpieces and candid community photos at an art show held before a game and donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. Auctions: During the game, auction off homemade meals or desserts, a prime parking space, student artwork, or items donated from local businesses in the community. B Beat the Clock Challenge: During a home game, put 60 seconds on the clock and have cheerleaders pass buckets to collect donations as the clock counts down. Ask local businesses to match the amount raised. Bingo/Board Game Night: Host an evening of games! Entrants donate $10 to participate in the fun. Book Sales: Clean off those bookshelves and hold a used book sale in the gym. Donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. C Car Wash: Hold a car wash and accept donations. Challenge the Team: Agree to do something embarrassing, like get a pie in the face, if every player reaches their fundraising goal. Change Jars: Set out change jars (provided by the Society) in local businesses and restaurants. Chili Supper: Have a school group host a chili supper prior to your activity to raise funds. Provide healthy toppings like lowfat cheese, onions, and other vegetables. Coin Wars: Designate a class period on a specific day for team members and cheerleaders to go room-to-room collecting spare change as a fundraiser. Have a challenge between grades or homerooms to see who can collect the most change. Offer the winners a prize. Concession Sales: Ask your school to donate a portion of concession sales during your game. Be sure to consult with your American Cancer Society staff partner to ensure compliance with any applicable regulations. Conference-wide involvement: Work with two or more schools and coaches in your conference to each designate one game, a home series, or an entire week to act as a benefit for the American Cancer Society. Collect donations during the game or add a small amount to the ticket price to raise funds. D Dog Walking: Have players walk neighborhood dogs in exchange for a donation to emphasize physical activity while raising funds. DVD Sales: Collect used DVDs and have a sale. Donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. E Use to invite school alumni, friends, and family to attend the event or make a donation. Errand Service: Have players run errands for folks in your community in exchange for a donation. Exhibition Scrimmage: Have students host an exhibition scrimmage at halftime and collect donations from the crowd afterwards. F Facebook Fanatic: Use social media sites to spread the word about your event and recognize sponsors. Film Premiere Drawing: Ask your local cinema to donate tickets to a special screening of an upcoming movie. People can enter the drawing by making a donation. Final Four Party: Host a Final Four Party and ask for donations at the door. Fitness Open House: Ask a local fitness center to host an open house where anyone can use their facility for a donation. This emphasizes the Society s recommendation for people to be physically active. Flower Bouquet Drawing: Ask a local florist to donate a certificate for a free flower bouquet, then invite people to enter a drawing to win it by making a donation. This drawing is perfect for events taking place around Christmas, Valentine s Day, or Mother s Day

6 G Garage Sales: Clean out the garage, attic, and basement to hold a team garage sale. Donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. Gift Wrapping: During the holidays, set up a gift-wrapping station at the local mall or in a particular store and wrap gifts for donations. Grocery Gift Certificates: Ask a local grocer to donate a gift certificate for a free turkey, ham, or BBQ package. For a donation, people can enter the drawing to win. This is perfect around any holiday! H Hair Painting/Braiding: Ask a local salon or hair stylist to offer hair painting, extensions, braiding, or even haircuts in exchange for a donation. Halftime Activities: During halftime, invite fans to participate in competitive contests, such as a jump-shot contest or dance off, for a donation. Haunted House: During October, host a community haunted house. Accept donations at the door. I Internet: Set up your school or team Web page and fundraise online! Sign up at coachesvscancer.org. J Jail and Bail: For a donation, students can have a teacher or parent arrested. The detainee then posts bail by giving an additional donation or calls friends to help. K Karaoke Night: Let people showcase their talents at a Karaoke Night. Accept donations as entry fees! L Lawn Services: Have students mow neighborhood lawns for a donation. Local Sponsors: Local businesses and organizations may want to sponsor your Coaches vs. Cancer event or game T-shirts, or they may want to match the funds your school raises. Just ask! You will be surprised by your local community s support. Luminaria: In exchange for a donation, provide luminaria bags for students to dedicate in honor or memory of people affected by cancer, then display them at your game. Hold a special candlelight ceremony during halftime to celebrate and remember loved ones touched by the disease. M Midnight Madness: Host a Midnight Madness 4-on-4 basketball tournament between team members. Invite people to make a donation as an admission fee. N Name Beads: Make personalized bracelets, key chains, or other popular items and offer them in exchange for a donation. Add clever sayings, your school name, or school mascot. O Odd Jobs: Have players do odd jobs for neighbors, family members, and friends for a donation. Online Fundraising: Set up your school or team webpage and fundraise online! Sign up at coachesvscancer.org. P Percentage of Sales: Ask local businesses to designate a percentage of one day s sales to your fundraising efforts. Be sure to let the public know so they will buy more that day. Photo Contest: Ask each player to bring a baby photo they believe no one can identify. For a donation, students make a guess at naming the players photos. Give winners a donated prize. Pledge Donations: Have athletes, students, and other participants collect donations from their family and friends in support of the American Cancer Society by doing a pledgea-thon for the number of free throws, touchdowns, points scored, etc., at a game. Use the sample letter provided on page 12 of this playbook. Be sure to check with your local athletic governing association for any applicable guidelines. Q Quilt Drawings: Is there a quilting group in your community? Ask them to donate a special quilt to your game. People can enter a drawing for the quilt in exchange for a donation. R Rivalry Competitions: Using any of the ideas in this list, organize fundraising competitions between rival schools or, during halftime, hold a timed race to see which school s cheerleaders and/or mascot can collect the most donations from the crowd. Announce the winning school during the game. S Say It with a Card: Have players create homemade greeting cards then package them up and offer them in exchange for a donation. Offer various designs and put them together in packages of four for a set donation. 6 coachesvscancer.org

7 School Rivalry: Before a game, team up with the rival school and hold a competition. At the game, announce the fundraising totals and the winning school. Shave Your Head: Be an inspiration and honor students everywhere who are currently battling cancer by agreeing to shave your head once a certain amount of money is raised. Soup Delivery: Host a Soup Day prior to your game. Have students deliver the soup to people s homes for a donation. Perfect during cold winter months! Spaghetti Dinner: Host a spaghetti dinner for donations. Have student groups help set up, serve, and clean up. Student/Faculty Game: Host a sports competition between students and faculty basketball, football, baseball, etc. and ask for donations at the door! Summer Camp: Have the varsity team host a sports summer camp for middle school players and donate the registration fee. Suits And Sneakers TM : Join college and high school coaches across the country by scheduling your event during the Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers Weekend. Ask your staff partner for details. Super Bowl Party: Host a Super Bowl Party and ask for donations at the door. This is a great idea for a team member or restaurant with a big screen TV! T Turkey Subs: Ask a local sub/pizza shop to donate 50 cents from each turkey sub sold the week of your game. U Unwanted Presents: Have students and faculty arrange a post-holiday sale of unwanted presents and donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. V Vegetable Eating: Worried about your students diet? Teach them the importance of eating their greens by having them collect pledges for each serving of vegetables they eat. Video Game Sales: Have team members sell the video games they don t play anymore and donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. W White Out Game (or pink out, black out, etc.): Ask a local business to purchase customized T-shirts of a certain color and provide them to game attendees in exchange for a donation to the American Cancer Society. Promote your goal to have everyone in the game wearing that shirt. World Series Party: Host a World Series Party and ask for donations at the door. This is a great idea for a team member or restaurant with a big-screen TV! X X Marks the Spot: Host a Treasure Hunt and ask for donations to participate. This is a great way to get active and see your community! Y Yard Sales: Have students clean out their closets and host a team yard sale. Donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society. Z Zumba Day: Ask a local fitness center to host a Zumba Day where anyone can attend a Zumba class for a donation. This emphasizes the Society s recommendation for people to be physically active. Our fantastic event helped foster wonderful relationships between neighboring rival schools. With a great event this summer, we are already planning next year s activities to further our efforts for the American Cancer Society. Brad Hohensee, superintendent, BGM Community Schools, Brooklyn, IA Wall of Hope: In exchange for a donation, offer donation cards (provided by your Society staff partner) in honor or memory of loved ones who ve battled cancer, and hang them in your school. Ask local businesses to create a Wall of Hope, too!

8 Incorporating Cancer Education into Your Activity No matter how you choose to fundraise for the American Cancer Society through the Coaches vs. Cancer program, it is important to always incorporate cancer education into these activities. While some ways to do this were mentioned in the ABCs of Fundraising, our Coaches vs. Cancer Web site offers more information and materials to help you get started. Below are some additional ideas for engaging the school and your community. Honor Cancer Survivors: Work with your schools to honor and engage survivors and their caregivers at a game. During halftime, have a designated person call down all of the attending survivors and caregivers to the floor for a round of applause and words of celebration. Cancer Trivia: Have your students take a quick quiz to find out if they are cancer savvy. Topics could include nutrition, the dangers of tobacco, and sun safety. Eat This, Not That: Host a Healthy Living assembly focusing on the benefits of good nutrition, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight and discuss how these things can help reduce the risk for cancer. Great American Smokeout: Tobacco use is the most preventable cause of premature death in the country. Teach students about tobacco, then have them challenge smokers to quit during the Great American Smokeout (held the third Thursday in November each year). PA Announcements: Share cancer facts at school and during your game to highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. PJ Day: Getting a good night s sleep is important for maintaining a healthy weight. Hold a PJ Day at school to remind students to get plenty of sleep. Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap! Day: Let students dress in accordance with the Society s guidelines for sun safety, which tell people to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses to protect their skin from harmful UV rays, which can increase the risk of skin cancer. Then have students take a quiz to learn how to be sun-safe every day. Every activity and communication should include information about available resources and services, as well as upcoming programs and events and ways they can get involved. I love coaching and I love kids. It s our obligation as coaches, teachers, and parents to not only prepare them for the future, but to also protect them. If designing T-shirts, making a personal donation to a great cause I believe in, or wearing sneakers with my suit during a game is what it takes to teach them about cancer awareness, then I am more than happy to do so. Bruce Weber, Kansas State University Men s Basketball Coach 8 coachesvscancer.org

9 Sample Event Planning Timeline We know you are busy, so we re suggesting a timeline to help keep the momentum of your Coaches vs. Cancer event from the time your school decides to get involved until the actual game day. 2-3 months before event Form a committee of students, teachers, parents, and assistant coaches to help plan and run your Coaches vs. Cancer event. Set your fundraising goal. Aim high! Hold a committee meeting. Decide which fundraising activities and mission components to use, and delegate tasks for the duration of the planning process. Communicate with the opposing coach. Let them know about your event and encourage their team to participate. Begin any long-term fundraisers. Write letters to businesses asking for sponsorships, prizes, or matching funds, start a pledge drive, and start collecting silent auction items. Promote your event online through our Web site. 1 month before event Recruit people to help run game-day activities. Consider asking student groups, parents, JV players, and cheerleaders. Meet with your committee to plan the logistics of your event. Plan the order of activities, assign an adult to be in charge while you coach, and decide who will run each fundraiser. 2 weeks before event Promote your event. Have students post event details via social media, hang posters throughout your community, and send a news release to your local newspaper. See the sample press release on page 11. Hold pre-event fundraising challenges and announce the winners at your event. 1 week before event Begin announcements promoting the event at school. Remind students about the event and educate them with cancer facts and statistics. Check cancer.org for information. Hold a final check-in meeting with everyone involved with the event. Make sure everyone is on the same page and prepared for the big day. Game Day Provide the game announcer with a script that details all of the event s activities as well as cancer facts and information about American Cancer Society programs and services in your community. Collect all money raised at the event. Post-event (within 30 days) Return the post-event reporting form along with all contributions to the American Cancer Society. Checks should be made out to the American Cancer Society. A cashier s check for the collected cash is easy for you, and appreciated by us! Take pride in what you have accomplished in the fight against cancer!

10 Promoting Your Event No matter how well you plan, your fundraising event won t be successful if you don t promote it throughout the school and community to gather support. Below are some ideas and sample materials to help get you started. Social Media: Have players post status updates about your event on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. If your school has a social media presence, ask the moderator to post from there as well. School Announcements: Inform students and staff of your efforts through daily PA system announcements. School Newspaper: Ask your school newspaper to feature a story about your upcoming activities. Posters in School and Local Businesses: Hang posters in your school and local businesses to ensure more people learn about your activities. Local Business Signs: Ask local businesses to publicize your event on their business signs the week leading up to the game. Local Radio: Ask your local radio station to plug your event during the morning and evening drive times or during game broadcasts leading up to your event. Sample Social Media Posts I m participating in <SCHOOL NAME S> <EVENT> to benefit the American Cancer Society. We are raising critical funds needed to fight cancer. Please support me with a donation! Wanna change the world? Start today! Cancer affects everyone even you and me. I ve already raised <AMOUNT> for <SCHOOL NAME S> <EVENT> to benefit the Coaches vs. Cancer program. See what a difference you can make for the cost of a <VALUE MEAL, MOVIE TICKET, ETC.> by supporting my efforts. Help me help cancer patients in <TOWN>. Donate to <SCHOOL NAME S> <EVENT> to benefit the Coaches vs. Cancer program. 100% of the money raised will go to the American Cancer Society. More than 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. You can help! Please support me in <SCHOOL NAME S> <EVENT> to benefit the American Cancer Society. You rock! <PERSON/BUSINESS> is supporting <SCHOOL NAME S> <EVENT> to benefit the Coaches vs. Cancer program. Join us on <DATE>! Local Newspapers Invite a reporter from your local newspaper to attend your activities and take photos. A media release can spread the word about your event. Use the sample press release template provided on page 11 of this playbook, and send it to local media outlets. Here are a few helpful hints about getting media coverage. Engage a reporter: Your best bet is to call reporters you know or have worked with in the past. If they can t cover the story, they ll likely refer you to someone else. Be timely: Do not call reporters when you know they are on deadline. Midmorning and early afternoon are good times to make pitches. If they sound rushed, offer to call back later. If you get voic , leave the basics and call back at a better time. Offer hooks galore: What makes a story newsworthy? A dramatic human interest aspect, local angles, calendar tie-ins, and major events. Let the reporter know if any of these hooks are associated with your event. Also let the reporter know if there is a photo opportunity at the event they may be interested in coming out for this. Be sure to leverage your American Cancer Society staff partner to help you promote your event throughout the community. 10 coachesvscancer.org

11 SAMPLE EVENT PRESS RELEASE For inquiries, please contact: <Name> <Phone Number> < address> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <EVENT NAME > TO BENEFIT AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY <CITY, STATE>. The <team name/school name> Coaches vs. Cancer night will be held on <day, date at location in city>, to benefit the American Cancer Society, the official sponsor of more birthdays. The game will raise funds to help support the Society s efforts to help people in <region> stay well, get well, find cures and fight back. <INSERT PROMOTION DETAILS ABOUT EVENT (activities, special guests, etc.) AND ANY PERSONAL COMMITMENT OR STORY> Example: The Bobcats will have a variety of items available to bid on during a pre-game silent auction as well as specialized event T-shirts available for purchase. All gate fees collected at the event will be donated to the American Cancer Society, and the city s mayor will be on hand to open the game with a few remarks. The basketball team has rallied around the Coaches vs. Cancer event because highly regarded teacher John Doe was recently diagnosed with cancer. Doe will be on hand for an honorary tip-off. <INSERT QUOTE FROM EVENT ORGANIZERS> In addition to raising lifesaving funds in support of the American Cancer Society s mission to finish the fight against cancer, <school name> s players and students are learning how to make healthy decisions each and every day that can reduce their risk of cancer. Eating right, exercising, staying safe in the sun, and following the American Cancer Society s recommended cancer screening guidelines are all ways people can reduce their cancer risk. Together with millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society saves lives and creates more birthdays by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. For 24-hour cancer information, call toll free or visit cancer.org

12 SAMPLE FUNDRAISING LETTER Dear [NAME], This [Month], I will be participating in the Coaches vs. Cancer event for [School Team], and I am asking for your help as we promote cancer awareness and raise funds throughout the community. We are dedicating our game on [Date] vs. [Opponent] to helping the American Cancer Society save lives and finish the fight against cancer. I m truly excited to be a part of this team and this opportunity, and your support will help me achieve my goal of raising $[Amount] for the Society. I appreciate any contribution you can make, large or small. Every donation makes a difference and is meaningful. Your support helps the American Cancer Society save lives every day by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back against cancer. Your gift will mean so much to me and the countless other people who need support throughout their cancer journey. You can learn more about how your donations can make a difference at coachesvscancer.org. Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way or another. Supporting the Coaches vs. Cancer event is my way to fight back against a disease that has taken too much. To support my efforts, you can make a donation by check or cash. Please make all checks payable to the American Cancer Society. All of the funds raised will help the American Cancer Society offer help and hope to people facing cancer. Thank you for supporting our Coaches vs. Cancer event and the American Cancer Society. Not only are you joining a winning team in the fight against cancer, but you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Sincerely, [SIGNER] 12 coachesvscancer.org

13 Logo Usage Coaches vs. Cancer is a trademarked initiative co-owned by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Logos must be used fully intact and may not be altered or manipulated in any way. By using the Coaches vs. Cancer name or logo, you are committing that 100 percent of the net proceeds from your event will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Please note, it is not permissible to use the Coaches vs. Cancer name or logo while raising funds for a school event or program, an individual, or another organization. Contact your American Cancer Society staff partner with any questions. You re ready to get started! This playbook has all the information, tools, and tips you need to start planning your Coaches vs. Cancer fundraising event. On behalf of the nearly 14 million cancer survivors living in the United States, thank you for joining the American Cancer Society to finish the fight against cancer. And, remember, you are not in this fight alone. We re here to help! For more information or assistance planning your event, please contact the Society at or CoachesVsCancer@cancer.org. Take your game to next the level! Your support of the American Cancer Society doesn t have to be limited to your Coaches vs. Cancer event. We offer many opportunities for schools and communities to help us fight back against cancer and raise much-needed funds to save lives. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life program gives communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Because cancer never sleeps, Relay events last up to 24 hours. At the overnight event, teams camp out and take turns walking around a track or path. There are many ways for schools, athletic leagues, and other organizations to become involved with the Relay For Life movement, bringing valuable cancer education and leadership opportunities to students of all ages elementary through college. To learn more and find an event in your area, visit RelayForLife.org. The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program empowers people from across the county to come together to raise funds and awareness to end breast cancer. Nationwide, nearly 300 Making Strides walks occur each year. Each one one is a powerful and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor those who have battled breast cancer, raise awareness about what we can do to stay well, and raise money to help fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need them. Walks range in distance from 3 to 5 miles and are open to participants of all ages, making these the perfect opportunity for your school to become involved in the fight against breast cancer. To learn more and find an event in your area, visit MakingStridesWalk.org. I believe life is already short. When people get cancer, it becomes even shorter because they don t get to experience life without worry. If a small amount of effort and money can go toward helping someone s life last even a second longer, then I m all for it. Selena Lopez, student-athlete, Taylor High School, Taylor, TX

14 2013, American Cancer Society, Inc. No