May 11, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams has been honored as the winner of the 2006 Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award for his "passionate support" and "unwavering commitment" in the fight against cancer through his fundraising efforts, community presence and exemplary leadership among his peers. The award is presented on behalf of the American Cancer Society and National Association of Basketball Coaches.
Williams' involvement with the Coaches vs. Cancer program began with the establishment of the national Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Invitational at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Md. in 2000. The golf event has raised more than $600,000 over the past six years. Williams also hosts a tip-off breakfast each year which not only marks the official beginning of basketball season and attracts faithful supporters of the basketball program, but more importantly raises funds needed to support the life-saving work for the American Cancer Society. The tip-off breakfast has raised more than $115,000 the past four years.
The Coaches vs. Cancer program, which is alive and thriving after nine years, has raised millions of dollars since its inception, and Williams has been one of the key national figures in the cause. He recently filmed a recruiting video aimed at attracting other coaches to join the program.
Williams' charitable causes and passion for helping others does not just include the Coaches vs. Cancer program:
In September of 2004, University President C.D. Mote, Jr. announced that Williams, along with renown broadcast news journalist Connie Chung, will co-chair the scholarship component of Maryland's $250 million fund-raising campaign. Earlier in 2004, Williams served as the commencement speaker at the graduation proceedings for the Robert H. Smith School of Business.
Williams has also worked with Maryland grad Boomer Esiason and others to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, hosting charity basketball games and golf events.
For the past two years, Williams has served as the honorary chairman for the Walk Far for N.A.A.R., which has raised more than one million dollars for the National Alliance of Autism Research.
He also chaired the Salvation Army's FORE Kids golf tournament in 2003 and 2004, which raises proceeds for Washington, D.C.'s youth.
In the fall of 2005, Terrapin players and coaches joined with members of the Greek community in raising $21,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities as they took part in the Hoops For Kids event at Ritchie Coliseum.
