Flashes Put Their Dance Moves on Display to Raise Money for the Fight Against Cancer
4/3/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
KENT, Ohio Kent State Student-Athletes are used to performing for a crowd, but this time their singing and dancing skills, not their athletic talents, will be showcased. Each of the 16 varsity athletic teams at Kent State University will be performing a choreographed lip sync and dance routine at the fifth annual Jock Jams fundraiser at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 in the Cartwright Hall and Auditorium on the Kent State main campus. Jock Jams will raise money for the Akron Chapter of the American Cancer Society.
The event showcases each athletic team as they compete before the public and a panel of judges for the annual Jock Jams trophy, which is awarded for the most creative and original performance. In 2006, the event brought 1,500 students and members of the community together to raise nearly $4,000 for the Akron Chapter of the American Cancer Society through the $2.00 admission fee, t-shirt sales and general donations.
In the past two months, the Kent State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), an organization which helps sponsor Jock Jams, has facilitated a “Change for Charity” initiative in which nearly all student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators donated money which will also be a part of the 2007 Jock Jams donations.
“Kent State Athletics has a deep connection to this cause,” said Dr. Jennifer Kulics, assistant athletic director, who organizes the Jock Jams event. “Our department lost two beloved members of our staff to cancer in the last two years. Our athletes care very deeply about this opportunity to raise money for an organization that is so close to their hearts.”
In 2005, the Kent State Athletic Department lost an academic counselor and former football coach, Mike Drake, 48, and former track and field athlete and assistant compliance director Isaac Perkins, 25, to cancer.
Jock Jams, the annual fundraising event sponsored by Kent State Athletics for the American Cancer Society, is also the kick-off to the Relay for Life event that will be held at the KSU Outdoor Track on April 28 and 29.
“Jock Jams in one of our proudest accomplishments at Kent State,” said Prishod Koonce, member of the 2006 Jock Jams champion football team. “Other schools in the country are trying to start an event like ours now. They see how much we love getting the chance to compete against our fellow athletic teams, but most importantly that we really like to do something to raise money to fight cancer.”
“We're all really lucky, and as student-athletes, we look forward to raising money to help give something back to people in need,” said Catharine Marosszeky from the women's soccer team. “We work really hard to prepare an entertaining routine for Jock Jams this event means a lot to us, and I hope the community will come and support the cause.”
The Kent State Athletic Department has extended a special invitation to the patients at Akron Children's Hospital to be the honored guests of the 2007 Jock Jams event once again this year.
Kent State student-athletes will be available in the auditorium lobby at 6:30 p.m. before the event begins to meet with members of the public and sign autographs.
The general public is encouraged to attend the event for a $2.00 donation. All proceeds from Jock Jams will benefit the American Cancer Society. For directions or further information about 2007 Jock Jams, contact Jennifer Kulics at 330-672-2961 or visit www.kentstatesports.com.
