BURLINGTON, Vt. – In an effort to continue to build awareness and support for local cancer research efforts in the fight against cancer, UVM Athletics announced the continuation of its annual “Rally Against Cancer” series for the 2018-19 collegiate athletic season. Vermont Custom Closets, an Athletics corporate partner, once again will serve as the valued business supporter of the year-long initiative that is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the UVM Cancer Center.
Concurrent with the renewed campaign, UVM Athletics will update Rally Against Cancer games by switching from a focus on “pink” to the use of lavender as a way to be more inclusive to all cancers. This change highlights the broad range of impact that the UVM Cancer Center has in improving the lives of cancer patients in Vermont and is more inclusive of the varied cancer experiences of the community and student athletes. Last year, a total of $11,000 was donated to the UVM Cancer Center as a result of fan pledges, the efforts of Vermont Custom Closets and overall donations made during the 2017-18 Rally Against Cancer campaign.
According to UVM’s Director of Athletics Jeff Schulman, “The support and generosity shown by our partners at Vermont Custom Closets is greatly appreciated by our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans. The Rally Against Cancer is one of our most recognizable and valuable activities within the community, and we are very much looking forward to the continuation of the program. The University of Vermont Cancer Center is one of our community’s most important and valuable resources, and we are thrilled to once again partner with Vermont Custom Closets in helping to support the research and efforts of this amazing institution.”
This year, fans had the opportunity to vote on the design for the men’s and women’s ice hockey jerseys that will be worn in game and ultimately auctioned off to support the UVM Cancer Center.
“As the presenting sponsor of the Rally Against Cancer games, we acknowledge the deep impact that cancer has on our employees, clients, friends, family and larger community,” said Todd Warren, Vermont Custom Closets co-owner. Elizabeth Warren, co-owner of Vermont Custom Closets, added, “We understand that to truly make an impact we must all be involved and that together our efforts will result in meaningful progress toward treatments and an eventual cure. It is our honor to continue our support of UVM Athletic and the UVM Cancer Center.”
2018-19 RALLY AGAINST CANCER GAMES
Men’s Soccer: Saturday, Oct. 6 vs. Hartford – 2 p.m.
Field Hockey: Sunday, Oct. 7 vs. Maine – 1 p.m.
Women’s Soccer: Sunday, Oct. 7 vs. UMBC – 12 p.m.
Swimming & Diving: Saturday, Oct 27 vs. Siena – 2 p.m.
Women’s Ice Hockey: Saturday, Nov. 3 vs. UNH – 2 p.m.
Men’s Ice Hockey: Saturday, Nov. 3 vs. UConn – 7:05 p.m.
Basketball, and Lacrosse dates are yet to be determined
“Knowing we have the support of our community in advancing important and life-saving cancer research right here at the University of Vermont means a great deal,” said UVM Cancer Center Director Gary Stein, PhD. “Thank you to Catamount fans and athletes, and sponsor Vermont Custom Closets, for Rallying Against Cancer and for supporting local cancer research.”
Learfield, UVM Athletics’ multimedia rightsholder, manages the sponsor relationship with Vermont Custom Closets on behalf of the university. Learfield’s local Vermont Sports Properties oversees the day-to-day relationship with UVM athletics administration. In addition to Vermont, the company manages the multimedia and sponsorship rights for nearly 130 collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas, in addition to supporting athletic departments at all competitive levels as title sponsor of the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup.