GORHAM, Maine–At Hill Gymnasium on the campus of the University of Southern Maine, more than 200 adults and youth took to the court to raise money for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. This year’s event marked the 25th Annual Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge, presented by Town & Country FCU. It’s Maine’s longest, continuous-running, 3-on-3, co-ed, charity basketball tournament.
The 2019 event raised more than $45,000 for children with cancer and their families, an amount that helped the tournament to surpass a fundraising total milestone. With the 2019 total, the Swish-Out surpassed the half-million-dollar mark in funds raised, bringing the 25-year total to $525,000. One-hundred percent of all funds raised go directly to the cause.
Jon Paradise, vice president of Public Relations and Communications at Town & Country FCU, founded the tournament back in 1994, and said the growth of the event is a testament to the generosity of the community, and the support of sponsors, participants and volunteers.
“When the tournament began, we had seven teams and raised $575. Fast-forward to this year, and we had close to 50 teams and, with this year’s total, surpassed the $500,000 mark in total funds raised since the beginning. It’s really remarkable how people have embraced this event over the years, and an example of what people can do when they come together to make a difference.”
Paradise said that he is proud that the Swish-Out is the longest, continuous-running, 3-on-3, co-ed, charity basketball tournament in Maine.
“It’s still going strong because of the support of people – if people don’t support the event through sponsorship and playing, this event doesn’t happen. From sponsors and players to volunteers and spectators, the willingness of people to lend a hand is amazing.”
In addition to being the 25th anniversary of the tournament, Paradise said that there was a special moment on the court that impacted him. “At one time, on two different courts, there were games with two childhood cancer survivors playing in them. Seeing those kids healthy and playing reinforced who this event is really about – the kids.”