Eric Robeson took plenty of needling for the orange cowboy hat he wore while peddling raffle tickets at last year’s Kickin’ Cancer fundraiser at Gordyville. Robeson will sport the same look at this year’s Coaches vs. Cancer event — as will fellow volunteers thanks to an order placed by local American Cancer Society coordinator Sharla Jolly.
“I’m a fashion trend-setter for sure,” he said. Tickets, tables and sponsorships are available for the April 16 celebration that last year drew a crowd of 1,700 and raised more than $500,000 ( visit coachesvscancerillinois.com for details ).
High-profile guests of Illini basketball coach Brad Underwood include coaches CHRIS COLLINS and DANA ALTMAN and analyst ROBBIE HUMMEL. Robeson, 56, joined the ACS cause after being diagnosed with melanoma in his 20s. As a Champaign West Rotary volunteer and cancer survivor, the Relay For Life laps he walked around Centennial High’s track took on special meaning.
“A great event for a great cause,” he said. The Robeson’s Inc. president feels the same about Kickin’ Cancer after helping out for the first time in ‘24.
Next month’s event likely will see the total raised in the Underwood era top $2 million. “It’s a laid-back, cool experience,” he said, “and a way to celebrate the basketball team and what next year’s going to bring.”.
