Thousands of Women's Basketball Referees to Wear Pink Whistles February 8-17; 'Calling For a Cure' Program to Raise Funds for Cancer Research

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 4,000 referees will storm women's basketball courts February 8-17 to raise funds for cancer research and raise the bar on cancer awareness. Women's NCAA Division I, II & III; NJCAA Division I, II & III; NAIA; and high school referees will be "Calling for a Cure" by using pink whistles during the games in conjunction with the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's (WBCA) "Think Pink" initiative. Referees will donate portions of their game checks to benefit the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund.

"'Calling for a Cure' is a unique awareness and fundraising program, one best suited to involve the women and men who run the basketball courts each and every game," said Michelle Perry, Director of NCAA Division I basketball. "And even before tip-off of 'Think Pink' week, I'm pleased to announce that hundreds of women's basketball referees have already generously donated significant portions of their game checks."

The WBCA began "Think Pink" in 2007 as an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball, on campuses, and in communities. In 2007, more than 120 schools unified for this effort and helped make the inaugural year of the WBCA's "Think Pink" a success. The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer fund was established in partnership with the V Foundation and is committed to the fight against cancer through fundraising for cancer research, assisting the underserved and less fortunate, and unifying people for a common cause. The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund was brought to light on December 3, 2007, during the Jimmy V Classic.

Scott Sloyer, CEO of Foundations Resource Group and a college basketball referee, worked with the NCAA and the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund to develop the program to involve referees nationwide. FRG also works to raise funds for Coaches vs. Cancer and the American Cancer Society.

"As referees, we're part of the game of basketball. Coaches and others have worked to raise funds for much-needed research," Sloyer said. "It's important that referees have an opportunity to make a difference. While we look forward to the week of February 8-17, we're pleased and surprised by the number of early donations to the cause."

About Foundations Resource Group

FRG is a unique consortium of technical and conceptual foundation development and management professionals. Company capabilities include non-profit tax law and accounting, event planning and management, Web site design and administration, and travel and general administrative support. FRG's motivation is to celebrate and connect those to whom much is given to those whom are less fortunate and require much. For more information, please visit http://www.foundationsresourcegroup.com or e-mail Scott Sloyer at scottsloyer@foundationsresourcegroup.com.

The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund

The Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund is a 501 c(3) charitable organization committed to being a part of finding an answer in the fight against cancer. Everyone can be a part of finding the answer! Fans can donate to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund online at http://www.jimmyv.org or by calling 1-800-4JimmyV; select one of the Events-in-a-Box to run locally at your business, institution or in your community; or participate in one of the national events to raise money for the Fund. Ultimately, all funds raised by the game officials and the participating coordinators will be presented to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund at the Women's Final Four scheduled to be held April 6th and 8th at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL.