The 11th Annual Jimmy V CYO Classic: 4 Very Special Days…
The 11th Annual Jimmy V CYO Classic:
Four Very Special Days
Katie Dougherty
2014 Jimmy V CYO Classic
The Philadelphia Friends of V’s highly-anticipated event, the 11th Annual Jimmy V CYO Classic, has come to a close. This 4-day celebration was another high energy, fun and yet emotional occasion for the Philly Friends of V and members of the community. The 2014 event began on February 20th through the 23rd at St. John the Evangelist Parish Center in Morrisville.
Beginning in the year 2004, the Philly Friends of V organized the Jimmy V CYO Classic as a way for family and friends to honor loved ones who have been affected by cancer. Every year, one particular individual or a local family who has experienced the toll of cancer is selected and named the Jimmy V CYO Classic honoree. The honoree, or honorees, are specifically recognized and honored during the event’s proceedings.
Remarkably, the 2014 celebration was the 11-year anniversary of the Classic and the Philly Friends of V decided to recognize a different kind of honoree for the event. This year, the Classic paid tribute to all cancer survivors. These survivors included individuals who are currently in remission, patients still fighting the cancer battle, families who lost a loved one to cancer, and more. These cancer-survivor honorees were not limited to one specific “type” of cancer survivorship.
Since many survivors were honored this year, each of the 4 days allowed one or more individuals to be commended. The survivors and or their families who were honored included Sister Diehl, Eileen Piznar, Joe Wilker, Tommy Kelly, Alicia Rinkus, Pat McMenanmin, Carol Abruzzi, Jean Lucci, Peter Reid, Joe Wolf, Sue Malone, and members of the Chapman family.
Representatives from Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, including Frank Sciolla, Jack Techtmann, and Morgan Pepito, also spoke to demonstrate the school’s continuing support for the Philly Friends of V……the CEC Softball, Basketball and Football teams all volunteered during the event.
Each of the 4 days enabled a variety of activities to be held during the 2014 Classic as well. These activities consisted of 24 basketball games, 2 dedication ceremonies, a silent auction, the Peg Howe/Jimmy V Poster Room and a daily concession stand with delicious treats to munch on throughout the entire event.
The Jimmy V CYO Classic is, ultimately, a celebration of cancer research and its advancement over the years. The Classic is not just a significant occasion for the Philly Friends of V; it is also an event that brings a community even closer together in just 4 days.
