SHARON, Pa. – Penn State Shenango will host the annual Shenango vs. Cancer basketball event at 5 p.m. March 28 in the Hickory High School gymnasium to raise funds for the Dr. Edgardo Lob Memorial Cancer Care Fund through UPMC Horizon in Greenville. 

This year’s fundraiser features a new 3-point contest format. Participants will be split into three age groups; sixth through eighth grade, ninth through 12th grade and Penn State Shenango students. Awards will be given to the winner of each group. Interested participants can register HERE for free.

“This event is a unique opportunity for our campus to rally behind those in the fight and raise funds, especially locally,” said Andy Puleo, regional director of Student Affairs. “Most people are aware of the amazing work that Penn State does with the THON group, but we have always tried to make our own impact and really carry that torch of philanthropy.” 

The event is free for community members to attend, and there will be a donation basket at the door, food vendors and a 50/50 raffle, with all proceeds going toward the Dr. Lob Fund. Organizers request that all donations be cash only. 

To kick off this year’s Shenango vs. Cancer event, the Penn State Shenango campus partnered with Laurel Technical Institute’s cosmetology program for the inaugural Cuts for Cancer fundraiser held in the Great Hall on the Shenango campus March 7. Participants from both campuses, as well as community members, volunteered to have their heads shaved in support of those undergoing cancer treatment. More than $1,000 in donations were raised during the event for the Dr. Edgardo Lob Memorial Cancer Care Fund. 

Puleo said it’s special when Shenango students and local community members can connect with each other over a common goal.

“The most amazing thing about this event is just how involved our students get,” Puleo said. “I don’t think they can fully appreciate how impactful their contributions are, but they definitely love being involved and making any contribution they can to those fighting cancer.” 

Pictured at top: Penn State Shenango will host its annual Shenango vs. Cancer basketball fundraiser March 28 with a new 3-point contest format. (Penn State | Creative Commons)