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Colorado high school basketball fans might have noticed officials in pink and black shirts or a pink bucket for donations being passed at multiple games in January. This is the work of Officials vs. Cancer, a group of basketball officials who support the American Cancer Society.

Officials vs. Cancer started nationally in 2008 by the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, Inc. (IAABO). IAABO is a nonprofit professional and service organization that is managed for and by basketball referees. Officials vs. Cancer expanded to Colorado in 2009, when Colorado Board #4, the state basketball official’s organization, began their fundraising efforts. The local organization, the Colorado Springs Basketball Officials Association, also participated in fundraising.

Money raised through the program benefits the American Cancer Society’s mission to eliminate cancer by helping people stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back against cancer.

“The dollars raised by Officials vs. Cancer show how much this community supports our mission,” said Amanda Seier, American Cancer Society senior market manager, community engagement. “We are proud to have such amazing volunteers in the Colorado Springs area.”

Many of the officials are involved because they have personally been touched by cancer and want to make a difference. Bob Lantzy, past president of Colorado Board #4, lost his father to cancer. Gary Montel, a Colorado Springs official, lost members of his immediate family, including his wife, to cancer.

In 2015, Officials vs. Cancer raised over $15,800 for the Society in the Colorado Springs area, and statewide raised approximately $52,000. Since the inception of Officials vs. Cancer in Colorado, the group has raised approximately $258,000.