Par for the Cause: Penn State Coaches vs. Cancer Celebrates 30 Years
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Penn Stateโs Coaches vs. Cancer (CVC) initiative, a milestone that underscores the program’s enduring commitment to fighting cancer through community engagement and fundraising. Established in 1995 by former Nittany Lions head coach Bruce Parkhill, the initiative has grown into one of the nation’s most successful CVC chapters, raising over $4.4 million to date .
The centerpiece of the anniversary celebrations is the 28th Annual Coaches vs. Cancer of Penn State Golf Tournament, scheduled for Friday, May 30, at the Penn State Golf Courses. This event, hosted by current head coach Mike Rhoades, is expected to draw more than 425 participants, including current and former Penn State coaches, athletes, and community leaders . The tournament features a five-player, 18-hole scramble format, with each team including a “captain”โtypically a notable figure from Penn State athletics .
The festivities commence on Thursday, May 29, with the Sponsors/Captain Reception at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. This evening event includes hors d’oeuvres, beverages, contests, and music, setting the stage for the tournament. Following Friday’s golf activities, participants will gather for an awards dinner at the Hawbaker Pavilion at the Penn State Golf Course .
Beyond the golf tournament, CVC-Penn State hosts several other annual events, such as the Race Day Soirรฉe and the Reverse Car Drawing, each contributing significantly to the organization’s fundraising efforts . These events embody the spirit of “Party With a Purpose,” a philosophy introduced by the late Dan Rallis to combine community enjoyment with charitable giving.
As Penn State’s Coaches vs. Cancer celebrates three decades of impact, the continued support from the university and the broader community ensures that the fight against cancer remains a central focus of the Nittany Lions’ off-court endeavors. 
