[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO COACHES VS. CANCER FUNDRAISERS JULI AND JIM BOEHEIM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 23, 2001

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, seven years ago, a group of NCAA basketball 
coaches gathered to create Coaches vs. Cancer, an effort dedicated to 
reducing the risk of cancer in youth and raising funds to assist in the 
research, patient services, advocacy, and prevention programs of the 
American Cancer Society. Since its inception, Coaches vs. Cancer, now a 
formalized partnership between the National Association of Basketball 
Coaches and the American Cancer Society, has raised millions of dollars 
nationally.
  In Central New York, Syracuse University Men's Basketball Coach Jim 
Boeheim began his longtime involvement in the effort during the 1995-
1996 season. In its first year of existence, Coach Boeheim's group 
raised a record for first year programs nationally and finished second 
in local contribution totals across the country. In its second season, 
the Syracuse program became the national effort's largest local 
fundraiser, an honor the Central New York program holds even to this 
day. Coach Boeheim currently serves as National Chair of the Coaches 
vs. Cancer Council.
  In addition to Coach Boeheim's advocacy and support, the Syracuse 
chapter owes its success to the work of Juli Boeheim. Since beginning 
her involvement, Juli Boeheim has chaired numerous fundraising and 
public awareness events, including creating the Coaches vs. Cancer 
Basket Ball Black Tie Gala, which has netted over $350,000 over the 
past two years. Both Jim and Juli Boeheim have traveled regionally and 
nationally on behalf of the organization and assist in recruiting 
additional coaches and their spouses to become involved. They have 
filmed public service announcements, made numerous hospital visits, and 
attended dozens of public awareness events on behalf of the 
organization.
  Jim and Juli Boeheim's leadership has allowed the Syracuse University 
Coaches vs. Cancer program to raise close to $2 million for the local 
programming of the American Cancer Society. As the Home Builders 
Association of Central New York prepares to honor the Boeheims for 
their longtime work at its annual Parade of Homes Preview Party on May 
31st, it is my privilege to recognize Jim and Juli Boeheim for their 
leadership--on both a national and local level--within the Coaches vs. 
Cancer organization.

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