For three decades, Penn State Coaches vs. Cancer (CVC) has been a beacon of hope and a formidable force in the fight against cancer. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, the Penn State chapter stands as one of the most successful fundraising initiatives in the national Coaches vs. Cancer program, a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
Established in 1995 by former Nittany Lion head coach Bruce Parkhill, the Penn State CVC chapter was born from a desire to leverage the power of collegiate athletics for a critical cause. While the national CVC program started in 1993, inspired by cancer survivor and former Missouri coach Norm Stewart, Penn State quickly embraced the mission. Since its inception, the Penn State chapter has raised over $4.4 million, with an impressive $2.8 million attributed to its flagship event, the annual golf tournament.
The 28th annual Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State Golf Tournament, held at the Penn State Golf Courses on the Friday following Memorial Day, is the cornerstone of their fundraising efforts. This year, it takes place on May 30, 2025. This five-player, 18-hole scramble draws hundreds of golfers, sponsors, and sports luminaries, including current and former Penn State coaches and athletes. The tournament was initiated by former head coach Jerry Dunn in 1997, and both Parkhill and Dunn have remained consistent participants.
Beyond the greens, Penn State CVC orchestrates a calendar of impactful events. The Race Day Soirée, held in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby, joined the CVC umbrella in 2019 and has raised over $690,000 since its 2011 launch. The annual Coaches vs. Cancer Day at the Bryce Jordan Center, exhibition games, and the “Real Men Wear Pink Centre County” campaign further amplify their reach and impact.
The funds raised by Penn State CVC directly support the American Cancer Society’s vital work, including cancer research and mission programs within the local community. A significant portion of the funds raised has been allocated to the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, providing financial aid to local cancer patients for living expenses during treatment. This sustained commitment underscores the deep personal connection many involved with Penn State CVC have to the cause, making “Par for the Cause” a truly heartfelt and impactful endeavor.
Parkhill’s friend, Jim Satalin, former head basketball coach at St. Bonaventure and Duquesne universities, had been tapped to serve as executive director of the program.
“He called me and explained what CVC was all about and wondered if Penn State would have an interest in it. I said, ‘Absolutely,’” Parkhill recalls.
Little could Parkhill have envisioned that one simple phone call could have kicked off an organization that would evolve to host several beloved annual events; attract the enthusiastic participation of businesses, community members, coaches, and letter winners from a wide variety of sports; spawn three local “spin-off” charities; and, most importantly, raise over $4.3 million for cancer research, prevention, and support services since 1995.
From 3-pointers to 18-holers
The national CVC program was formed in 1993, inspired by Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri men’s basketball program and a cancer survivor, who challenged fans to donate money to the ACS every time his team made a 3-point shot.
It was this concept that Parkhill brought to the officers of the Penn State Hoops Club, the official booster club for the men’s basketball team, in 1995
For three decades, Penn State Coaches vs. Cancer (CVC) has been a beacon of hope and a formidable force in the fight against cancer. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, the Penn State chapter stands as one of the most successful fundraising initiatives in the national Coaches vs. Cancer program, a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
Established in 1995 by former Nittany Lion head coach Bruce Parkhill, the Penn State CVC chapter was born from a desire to leverage the power of collegiate athletics for a critical cause. While the national CVC program started in 1993, inspired by cancer survivor and former Missouri coach Norm Stewart, Penn State quickly embraced the mission. Since its inception, the Penn State chapter has raised over $4.4 million, with an impressive $2.8 million attributed to its flagship event, the annual golf tournament.
The 28th annual Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State Golf Tournament, held at the Penn State Golf Courses on the Friday following Memorial Day, is the cornerstone of their fundraising efforts. This year, it takes place on May 30, 2025. This five-player, 18-hole scramble draws hundreds of golfers, sponsors, and sports luminaries, including current and former Penn State coaches and athletes. The tournament was initiated by former head coach Jerry Dunn in 1997, and both Parkhill and Dunn have remained consistent participants.
Beyond the greens, Penn State CVC orchestrates a calendar of impactful events. The Race Day Soirée, held in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby, joined the CVC umbrella in 2019 and has raised over $690,000 since its 2011 launch. The annual Coaches vs. Cancer Day at the Bryce Jordan Center, exhibition games, and the “Real Men Wear Pink Centre County” campaign further amplify their reach and impact.
The funds raised by Penn State CVC directly support the American Cancer Society’s vital work, including cancer research and mission programs within the local community. A significant portion of the funds raised has been allocated to the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund, providing financial aid to local cancer patients for living expenses during treatment. This sustained commitment underscores the deep personal connection many involved with Penn State CVC have to the cause, making “Par for the Cause” a truly heartfelt and impactful endeavor.
