Knoxville Panthers Coaches vs. Cancer had a successful turnout despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The auction had to be held virtually, and events such as the alumni basketball games had to be cancelled. Organizer Jim Uitermarkt says that even though the total proceeds raised was not a record, the turnout was remarkable considering the circumstances.

“We were only a little under $5,000 off of last year’s total. You take into account that the alumni games alone would’ve brought in $6,000 to $8,000, and you take out all the other things we didn’t do this year, it was, for what we did, an unbelievable number. The relay was a record, the auction was really good. Our cash donations were at a record level. That’s people who mail us checks, including people who donated $500 or more to be on the back of the shirt. We were able to fill the shirt with as many donors as we normally have. Then it was the people in the community who send us checks for $25, $50, $300, it’s all over the place, and they added up to an incredible number this year.”

This year’s total amount of funds raised was $50,600. Hear a recap of this year’s Knoxville Panthers Coaches vs. Cancer on today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.