GORHAM, Maine–The 29th Annual C-U Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge, presented and coordinated by Town & Country FCU, has set a new fundraising record.
The event is Maine’s longest, continuous-running, 3-on-3, benefit basketball tournament and returned in-person for the first time in three years and made an “emphatic return,” the credit union said, by raising a record-setting $58,000 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
In addition, the event surpassed the $700,000 mark in funds raised in its history.
“After being a virtual free-throw competition the past two years, there was palpable excitement for past participants and new ones to be back in-person this year. It was great to see so many familiar faces, many for the first time since the event was last held in person in March 2020, as well as new participants joining in on the fun,” explained Jon Paradise, Senior VP at Town & Country FCU and the founder of the tournament. “We didn’t really know what to expect this year but the support of sponsors, teams and volunteers was incredible. To raise a new record of $58,000 after being virtual the past few years is a testament to the generosity of spirit of the community and highlights how passionate people are when it comes to helping children with cancer and their families.”
The 2023 event featured 42 teams ranging in age from middle school to older adult teams competing in senior divisions. Many teams represented local businesses, school friends, family members who have lost a loved one to childhood cancer, and former area hoop stars. “At the end of the day, it’s about having fun and trying to make a difference,” said one participant, echoing sentiments heard throughout the event.
Paradise said it’s a team effort to put the event together and much of the “praise goes to the sponsors, participants and volunteers who make it happen. To have hundreds of people show up on a cold Sunday morning in early March to be a part of this event and help a special cause fills my heart with gratitude.”
As the presenting sponsor, Town & Country FCU said it ensures that 100% of all sponsorships and contributions go directly to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
Other significant sponsors of the event include: WEX; CO-OP Financial Solutions; M.R. Brewer; Next Level Solutions; Enterprise Rent-a-Car; Kasasa; Martin’s Point Health Care; Rinaldi Energy; WGTECH; Tricorp FCU; UNUM; Risbara Construction; WPOR 101.9; University of Southern Maine Husky Athletics; and a host of other local businesses.
Founded in 1994, the C-U Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge started with seven teams and raised $575. In its history, the tournament has now raised nearly $710,000 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.