Feb. 18, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. –
The Gamecock men’s and women’s basketball teams will hold a silent auction benefiting the American Cancer Society and its Coaches vs. Cancer initiative in conjunction with the Feb. 25 home men’s basketball contest against Kentucky. The event is aimed at raising awareness and funds to benefit the American Cancer Society. The auction features a wide variety of items, including autographed photos from top college coaches from across the nation, an autographed football by South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier and various other items. The event will run from 5:30 p.m. until halftime of the game and will be held on the concourse of Colonial Life Arena near the trophy case.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide program founded by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and communities to join the fight against cancer by participating in a variety of nation and local community events. Since its inception in 1993, high school and college coaches and their wives across the country have raised nearly $45 million through the Coaches vs. Cancer program to help the Society fund groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit the community and provide free programs that improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

How the auction will work:
– Auction will end with 5 minutes left in halftime
– Every item will have a starting bid and set bidding increments
– There will be 4 registration tables near the stairways of the main entrance
– All bidders will be required to register and obtain a number
– Winning bidders must pay and pick up items after the game
– Bidders will have the opportunity to pay by cash, check, or charge

Auction items include:
– Authentic autographed basketballs from Coach Horn and Coach Staley
– Birthday with Cocky
– Authentic autographed Carolina Panthers Helmet from 4 players and Head Coach
– Authentic autographed baseball from Bobby Richardson
– Coach Horn Suite Package for 2009-10 Non-Conference Game
– Authentic autographed basketball from Roy Williams
– Authentic autographed football and helmet from Steve Spurrier
– Authentic autographed basketball from Pat Summit following her 1,000th win
– Exclusive behind the scenes tour of Carolina Stadium
– 2009-10 Lady Vols Package for 2
– Authentic autographed Nike shoes from Gamecock Great and Cleveland Cavaliers player, Tarrence Kinsey