Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Host First Annual
12/9/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 9, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - Steve Cleveland and a friend hatched the idea in Provo, Utah several years ago. Cleveland, then the head coach of the BYU men's basketball program, hosted a party for children suffering from cancer. His invitation extended beyond the children to the families, especially the siblings of the cancer patients. It became an annual tradition during the Holiday Season in Utah benefiting over 100 families annually.
When he came to Fresno State three years ago, Cleveland wanted to incorporate a similar program in the Fresno community. He again partnered with a friend, women's basketball coach Adrian Wiggins, and with help from their wives, Kip and Heather, and an on-going Fresno State partnership with Children's Hospital Central California, the Dogs hosted the First Annual Children with Cancer Holiday Party Sunday night at the Save Mart Center. Nearly 60 families were invited this year and Cleveland expects more will be joining in time.
"My wife and I wanted to do this event when we came back to Fresno," said Cleveland. "It had grown into a tremendous program at BYU and we think it can be just as successful here. There are so many families in the community that suffer from cancer and this is a way that we as a Bulldog basketball family can give back to those in need. The holidays can be very difficult times for those suffering, but we hope this will bring some joy and comfort."
Kip Cleveland and Heather Wiggins and their husbands shopped at an area Wal Mart last week buying gifts for nearly 140 children.
Cleveland credits members of the Timeout Club and Hoop Club, Fresno State's basketball support clubs, for helping with this event. The clubs provided financial resources and volunteer support to the event.
"The excitement and support we've received from those people close to our program is tremendous," said Cleveland. "It takes a lot of work behind the scenes from a lot of people to pull together an event like this. Kip has been a great ambassador of our program and she really enjoys this event. It's real special to see the faces of those children and families."
Both men's and women's teams were on hand, hosting a dinner party for the families, playing games with the children and distributing toys on the floor of the Save Mart Center. Santa Claus and Fresno State mascot Timeout played with the children.
The children, their parents and siblings, were invited because they are being treated at Children's Hospital Central California.
"This isn't about our team or basketball," said Adrian Wiggins. "It's about reaching out to others. We are happy to help and our team is happy to be here to help create that caring, family atmosphere we all need this time of year."
"Join the State - Fresno State!" The Bulldog men's basketball travels to Arizona Sunday at Noon. Catch all of the action on the Bulldog Sports Network, KFRE CW 59. The Bulldogs return home Dec. 20 hosting Presbyterian College at 7 p.m. at the Save Mart Center. For ticket specials click the tickets icon at the top of this page.
