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Thanks to great community support including sponsorships, players and volunteers, the 24th Annual C-U Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge, coordinated by Maine's credit unions, dribbled to a new record on January 28, 2018. This year's event raised a record-setting $55,795 for the Maine Children's Cancer Program. With a record 60 teams participating in one of the five divisions, the event has grown from seven teams raising $575 when it was founded in 1994 to this year's record-setting total.
Asked about the growth and evolution of the event, Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Affairs and Engagement for the Maine CU League and the founder of the event, observed, "It's about the willingness of people to help. The outpouring of support for this event continues to amaze me every year. This event has grown to become what it is thanks to a lot of people giving of their time, money and enthusiasm."
Paradise said this year's event included several youth players who are cancer survivors and went through the Maine Children's Cancer Program for treatment. "When you look on the court and see kids, who may not have survived without the treatment and support that MCCP offers and provides, that's what makes you take pause and realize just how special it is."
The event is the longest, continuous-running, 3-on-3, charity basketball tournament in Maine. And, in its history, it has now raised nearly $500,000 for the Maine Children's Cancer Program.
"This event is so uplifting. We appreciate the time and energy that so many people put into it every year, and for the support of the credit union community. It means so much to the families we serve," remarked Tara Studley, Development Director at Maine Children's Cancer Program.
Special thanks go out to the 2018 Swish-Out major sponsors including: Tyler Technologies; Maine's credit unions; WEX; Five County Credit Union; PCH; CU Promise; KV Federal Credit Union; Martin's Point Healthcare; Hannaford Supermarkets; Back in Motion PT; Maine State Credit Union; Premium Consulting; Portland Pulp; the University of Southern Maine Athletics' program; WPOR 101.9; and Moody's Collision Center. Thanks goes to all of the other great sponsors who supported the event at a variety of levels.
Congratulations to the 2018 Swish-Out Champions:
Adult Divisions -
Elite - Above the Rim
Just for Fun - Sandler
Forever Young - Sandler 40+
Junior Divisions -
Middle School - Just Get It Done
4/5th Grade - NHI