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On March 8, more than 200 adults and youth took to the court at the University of Southern Maine’s Gorham campus to raise money for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. This year’s event, presented by Town & Country FCU, marked the 26th Annual Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge.
Jon Paradise, Vice President of Public Relations and Communications at Town & Country FCU, founded the tournament in 1994. He credits the ongoing support from sponsors, participants, and volunteers for the event’s success.
“This is such a great example of how the community comes together to make a difference,” said Paradise. “When the tournament began, we had seven teams and raised $575. Now in our 26th year, we welcomed close to 50 teams and we have now raised nearly $570,000 throughout its history.”
The Swish-Out is the longest, continuous-running, 3-on-3, co-ed, charity basketball tournament in Maine.
“This event happens because of people,” said Paradise. “We are honored that so many people come back year after year to hit the court to make a difference, and thankful for the generous sponsors who lend their names to support this cause.”
100% of all funds raised directly support the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
“All costs for the event are covered by Town & Country,” said Paradise. “So all money raised through entry fees, sponsorships, and contributions goes to help children with cancer and their families, and people appreciate that.”
“We raised close to $45,000 this year. Amazing to think that we are approaching $600,000 in total funds raised since the beginning and, pun intended, that’s all net,” Paradise added.