By Kiley O’Donnell
Sports Assignment Editor
The St. Bonaventure men’s and women’s basketball teams both took part in the program “Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer” during their games against Fordham last week by sporting gold shoelaces. Not only did the Bonnies wear them, but the Fordham athletes did, too.
The program, under the organization Go 4 the Goal, started in 2011, has since raised money from numerous projects to put an end to the disease. The gold laces cost just $5, and 80 percent of the profits and 100 percent of donations are funded towards helping kids and their families affected by the illness. The profits and donations raised by the Bonnies were donated to the Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, New York.
Seth Johnson, director of marketing and promotions in the St. Bonaventure athletic department, started the idea to participate in the program.
“I don’t want to go up to the Rochester area and expect for people to think we just want them to buy tickets,” said Johnson. “When we go someplace, we want to be part of the community. If we’re going to be there every year, we’re going to be a part of the community. So, I wanted to do something where we were giving a donation back to some organization up there.”
Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer’s accommodations fit Bonaventure well, since they donate locally rather than donating to a country-wide group.
“Something that was unique when we were approached to do Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer was that instead of just going to a national organization, such as ‘Play4Kay’, or things in that nature, they’ll actually work with someone local and make a donation locally, which was more intriguing to us,” said Johnson. “So, we knew we didn’t have a children’s hospital because we’re a smaller area. Rochester is a place we go to every year, and it’s a home game, so we’re responsible for it.”
During halftime at the men’s basketball game, a youth team took the court wearing the same gold shoelaces as the Bonnies. It helped the athletic department raise extra money for the children’s hospital.
Matt Pappano, director of men’s basketball operations, helped coordinate the program for the team.
“Both Fordham and SBU thought it was very important to take part in the Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer program at our game in Rochester. Wearing gold shoelaces was the least we could do in this battle,” said Pappano. “Hopefully millions of people saw the teams wearing gold shoelaces, asked why and in turn contributed toward the campaign. Having the game broadcasted to a national audience also helped widened the scope of viewership.”
Pappano talked about the platform and responsibility the athletic department and school have, and how their voices can raise awareness for any cause or program.
“We think it’s extremely important to use our platform to help others and raise awareness for people in need. It’s our duty as a program to help out in these situations and, quite frankly, the mission of this university and athletics department as a whole,” said Pappano. “It’s been fulfilling for our program to assist in these types of awareness campaigns. We also will take part in campaigns to raise awareness for Coaches vs. Cancer, Autism and Coaching for Literacy. It’s the right thing to do!”
The men’s team will be back in action at home against Saint Joseph’s next Tuesday 7 p.m. The women’s team will be home against Duquesne this Saturday 4 p.m.
odonneke16@bonaventure.edu
