Fresno State Athletics
Bulldog Basketball Hosts Second Annual Children with Cancer Holiday Party
12/9/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 9, 2008
Photo Gallery from 2nd Annual Children with Cancer Holiday Party
FRESNO, Calif. - One year ago, Steve Cleveland renewed one of his favorite holiday traditions from when he coached the BYU men's basketball program by teaming with Adrian Wiggins and involving both of their basketball teams in hosting a party for children suffering from cancer and their families.
Cleveland and Wiggins, with help from their wives Kip and Heather, continued the revitalization by expanding the concept to involve even more families at the Second Annual Children with Cancer Holiday Party on Monday night in the Save Mart Center.
The event welcomed a total of 107 families for a night to celebrate the holiday season with dinner, dessert, and a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, bounce houses, games, and some special appearances. The children and their families met and took pictures with Fresno State mascot TimeOut and Santa Claus at Santa's Workshop along with Fresno State cheerleaders and members from both basketball teams.
"This is a great opportunity for the student-athletes, coaches, and their families to provide a service to the community," Cleveland said. "It is a heartwarming experience to associate with these children and families who are battling this disease."
This past week, the coaching staffs from the men's and women's basketball teams shopped at Wal Mart to pick out gifts to give to the 250 children chosen by event partner Children's Hospital, including those diagnosed with cancer and siblings of those affected by the disease. The toys will be distributed at the party. In addition, the families receive turkeys and food for Christmas and holiday dinners.
"We were excited to participate in this great event once again," Wiggins said. "This is a special time of year and to have the opportunity to bring smiles to people's faces in the Valley is what the Christmas season is all about."
Cleveland credits members of the Timeout Club and Hoop Club, Fresno State's basketball support clubs, as well as the generosity of community members for making this event possible. The clubs and community members provided financial resources and volunteer support for the event.
"The excitement and support we've received from those people close to our program is tremendous," Cleveland said of the community support. "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."
"My wife and I wanted to do this event when we came back to Fresno," Cleveland said of the event he and Kip sponsored for eight years at BYU benefiting over 100 families annually. "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."
"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 women's basketball team hosts Cal State Northridge on Tuesday, December 9 in the Save Mart Center at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com. The men's basketball team hosts Cal State Bakersfield on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Save Mart Center. It's Working Wednesday and fans can enter to win via their business cards for prizes or free tickets to future games. Tickets are on sale now through the Save Mart Center box office, by calling (559) 485-TIXS or online at ticketmaster.com.
