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Dribble Raises More Than $176K in Return to Campus

by uclabruins.com
Oct 5, 2021
(Photo: Don Liebig)

LOS ANGELES -- More than 450 dribblers gathered on the UCLA campus Sunday, Oct. 3 to continue a meaningful tradition alongside the Bruin men's and women's basketball teams.

Dribble for Victory Over Cancer at UCLA, a collaborative effort between UCLA Athletics, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), the Cancer Research Program at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA and the V Foundation, has raised more than $176,000 in 2021 – its 14th year. All proceeds support lifesaving research at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA. Donations are still being accepted HERE.

SEIA returned as National Champion Sponsor.

Born Dribble for the Cure in 2008, the Dribble event at UCLA marked 11 years in a row of eclipsing the $100,000 mark. The 2021 running total represents the highest mark since 2017.

Attendees collected t-shirts, goodie bags and other giveaways from UCLA student-athlete volunteers as they awaited the arrival of Cori Close and Mick Cronin, the Michael Price Family UCLA Head Basketball Coaches, and their teams. Following performances by the UCLA Band and Spirit Squad – with Joe and Josie Bruin – and an 8-Clap led by women's basketball standout Charisma Osborne, dribblers embarked on the approximately one-mile course that meandered from Drake Stadium to Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. The basketball teams signed autographs as finishers shot hoops, honored award winners and posed for a group photo.

"It is an honor to continue our partnership with UCLA Athletics and Mattel Children's Hospital to power cures and realize futures for children," said Jeri Wilson, Executive Director of PCRF. "When a group of people with a common goal come together, we can change outcomes for families battling cancer."

Dribble for Victory Over Cancer not only serves to generate funds that aid in the search for a cure, but introduces followers to brave cancer warriors through its honorary captains. Sunday, participants recognized Kenny (age 17), Lucas (12), Thatcher (7), Skyle (6) and Alexa (forever 13). Ric Coy, UCLA's Director of Student-Athlete Development and the Athletic Department's coordinator of Dribble efforts, spoke about Alexa during the welcome ceremony.

"This year the Dribble community honored Alexa's memory," he said. "As a longtime honorary captain, she loved to come to the Dribble at UCLA. She loved seeing the athletes and community coming together to help kids just like her. She will forever be remembered by her Bruin family."

The Oct. 3 date also coincided with the birthday of UCLA Athletics Hall of Famer John Vallely, who was celebrated during the finish-line festivities. Vallely, who starred on two of John Wooden's championship men's basketball teams, brought the Dribble event to his alma mater in 2008. Vallely and his wife, Karen, lost their 12-year-old daughter, Erin, to pediatric cancer in 1991. He serves as a board member for PCRF.

The top individual fundraiser was Sarah Senator, who brought in $13,823 and narrowly beat out Wayne Kamemoto ($13,704). Team Ava Grace ($10,385) was third. Team awards were distributed to Team Daniel Bustle sponsored by Buchalter ($20,997), Team Kamemoto ($16,056) and Team Jackson ($15,348).

The Legacy Dribble events at UCLA and St. John's University – the latter of which occurred Sept. 25 in Queens, N.Y. – have raised more than $245,000 combined this year and in excess of $2 million overall.

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