- The Onward Upward Basketball Challenge raises money for children with cancer and cancer research and was founded in January of 2003, by Penn State Alumni, Tim Chiodo, Adam Gentzel, Randy Whiteside, and Joe Worley. These gentlemen started Onward Upward as a means to stay connected with a great cause they supported during their undergraduate studies at Penn State . In 2005, the Onward Upward Planning Committee expanded to include the services of John Mazzolla, Jess Worley, KC Gentzel, and Adam Mills. All proceeds of The Onward Upward Basketball Challenge benefit The Penn State Dance Marathon (http://www.thon.org), the largest student (and alumni) run philanthropic event in the world.
- This past year, February 2012, the Challenge raised over $39,209 dollars to support Dance Marathon, bringing the 10 year cumulative total to greater than $198,688. Each year, the goal is to improve on the previous year's total. In order to do that, each team is encouraged to solicit as many donations as possible to exceed the minimum donation to participate. Raffle Prizes and recognition are awarded to the teams that raise the most money!
- The tournament consists of a Full Court, 5 on 5 format, with a minimum of one female on the court at all times. PIAA officials referee the Challenge, encouraging a safe, friendly, and competitive tournament. The mission of the Onward Upward Basketball Challenge is to have fun, and raise as much money as possible for children with childhood cancer! For more information regarding The Penn State Dance Marathon, please visit Thon.org or watch the NBC Today Show segment. FTK!
Onward Upward 2012 - Total Announced from Onward Upward on Vimeo.
