At Methodist University, Play4Kay is intended to unite the campus around fundraising and support. Throughout February, students, faculty, staff, and campus organizations host a series of events designated to raise awareness, draw participation, and provide meaningful ways for the Monarchs community to give back.
Play4Kay is a nationwide movement that uses the game of basketball as a platform to honor and support those affected by breast cancer and to raise proceeds for cancer research. Dedicated in memory of former NC State women’s basketball coach Kay Yow, Play4Kay brings communities together.
At Methodist University, Play4Kay is intended to unite the campus around fundraising and support. Throughout February, students, faculty, staff, and campus organizations host a series of events designated to raise awareness, draw participation, and provide meaningful ways for the Monarchs community to give back.
“Cancer touches each one of our lives in one way or another,” said DeeDee Jarman, deputy athletic director and senior woman administrator at MU. “Coach Yow, who passed from breast cancer, utilized basketball as a platform to educate and raise funds to fight cancer head on. The Methodist University Play4Kay fundraiser is a small but significant contribution to the overall initiative. Our goal is to bring awareness and hope to the MU community for those affected by this dreadful disease. If our efforts can positively impact just one person, then we will have succeeded.”
Play4Kay events take place across campus starting Wednesday, February 11, and throughout the month in the form of educational, informational, and interactive activities.
Play4Kay Event Schedule
Friday, February 13
Flower Sale | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Berns Student Center
Hosted by Campus Engagement and Residence Assistants, participants can purchase flowers for one dollar per stem while supplies last, along with additional giveaways.
Monday, February 16
Pack the Piggies | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Berns Student Center
Community members are encouraged to bring spare change and donate to their favorite organization or team.
Tuesday, February 17
Pick a Pop | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Berns Student Center
Participants donate and pick a pop, guaranteed a prize.
Wednesday, February 18
Men’s Basketball vs. NC Wesleyan | 7 p.m. | Riddle Center
Saturday, February 21
Play4Kay 5K | 9 a.m. | Monarch Stadium
Women’s Basketball Game | 2 p.m. | Riddle Center
The week concludes with the Play4Kay 5K and Women’s Basketball game, featuring an auction, T-shirts, giveaways, and more.
Throughout the week, students can stop by the Campus Engagement Office to participate in the Rock, Paper, Scissors Bead Challenge and purchase beads for $1. The participant with the most beads at the Women’s Basketball Play4Kay Game will win a prize.
Through education, creativity, competition, and campus and community engagement, MU’s Play4Kay events unite the campus in support of breast cancer awareness. Every event, donation, and action, no matter the size, supports not just a cause, but a movement that makes a meaningful difference. For a full schedule of Play4Kay events, visit the MU events calendar.