Whatever you can donate goes directly to families facing a medical diagnosis like cancer. The money covers medical bills and travel expenses to see specialists. It helps ease the financial burden placed on families, and helps them to focus on what matters: getting better.
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In 2009, Brian Hanni created the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic as a benefit for the family of Brandon White, a Lawrence youth pastor who had lost his life to cancer. Brian is a long-time KU broadcaster and currently the “Voice of the Jayhawks.” Hanni wanted to use his platform in Kansas Athletics to remind former KU stars of the position of influence they still have even after their days at Allen Fieldhouse are over. His new project attracted many former KU basketball players, who returned to play or coach in the game. Fans were given the opportunity to see Kansas basketball legends they admired in a close-up and intimate environment at the same time they were raising money to benefit Brandon’s family. Along with the game, the Roundball Classic also offered a silent auction including autographed and limited-edition memorabilia donated by former KU players and coaches.
After the success of the initial game, the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic continued as an annual event. Because Brandon White’s passion was children and his fight was cancer, the Roundball Classic shifted its focus to benefiting families battling pediatric cancer or other challenging illnesses, and has raised over $1,042,000 for those families. 109 former KU basketball players have returned to play in the Classic to date, including 17 NBA draft picks and three NBA champions. In addition, three members of the 2008 KU Orange Bowl team, a former WBC Welterweight Champion, an ESPN SportsCenter anchor and a winner of Survivor have volunteered to play.
The Rock Chalk Roundball Classic has helped more than 40 families to date. We hope through expanded awareness, player participation, and personal donations, we can continue to grow and exceed our goals for years to come
ROCK CHALK ROUNDBALL CLASSIC
AT LAWRENCE FREE STATE HIGH SCHOOL
THURSDAY, JUNE 13TH
Join us for our 16th annual classic to raise money for local children and their families battling cancer. Watch the game as former KU players and coaches provide our Magnificent Seven with an experience that they’ll never forget. And don’t forget to stick around! Players will be signing autographs immediately following the game.
Ticket Locations:
Lawrence: 23rd Street Brewery
Topeka: Johnny’s Tavern on Fairlawn
Prairie Village: Johnny’s Tavern at Corinth Square
Olathe: Johnny’s Tavern in Olathe (K-10 & Ridgeview)
Lenexa: Jefferson’s on West 87th St
GALA DINNER
AT BURGE UNION
FRIDAY, JUNE 14TH
Join us for a VIP dinner that includes a meal, drinks, auction items, photo opps with celebrity guests, and more! Thirty former Jayhawks will be in attendance. One KU celebrity will sit at every table.
THE ROCK CHALK ROUNDBOWL
AT ROYAL CREST LANES
SATURDAY, JUNE 15TH
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime bowling experience. Bowling participants will be paired with former KU stars, while also getting some help from a PBA professional or two, for an afternoon of great fun raising funds for our Roundball beneficiaries. Don’t wait to reserve your lane!
