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Saturday’s effort at Craig was sparked after Craig Basketball coach Jack Hoag connected with Gard earlier this fall and began exploring ways to support the foundation.

‘Something meaningful’

“Jack really wanted to do something meaningful,” said Stephanie Hanson, who advises Craig’s Student Council. “He reached out, and we were excited to be asked to be part of it.”

Students brainstormed ideas and landed on a tailgate-style event tied to the upcoming Craig–Parker boys basketball game, scheduled for Tuesday night, Jan. 13, which will also serve as a continuation of the fundraiser. The game is at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday at Craig High School.

Saturday’s tailgate featured activities for all ages, including face painting, sports trivia, cornhole, Giant Jenga, Connect Four, Spikeball, a kids’ coloring station, a bake sale and a selfie station with the seven-foot inflatable Bucky Badger.

Members of Craig’s National Art Honor Society created several large-scale displays, including a five-foot Bucky statue alongside a cancer ribbon where attendees could add stickers in support of those affected by cancer. Another display highlighted the “Guarding Against Cancer” message with Craig Cougar and Parker Viking mascots, symbolizing the rivalry game’s role in the fundraiser.

Attendees could also purchase $1 “I Stand With Cancer” cards, which will be displayed during the Craig–Parker game on Tuesday.

“That game will be a big night for us,” Hanson said. “Our online auction closes that night, we’ll announce winners, host a Miracle Minute at halftime, and we’ll also do a Chuck-a-Duck fundraiser during the game.”

Online auction items

The online auction includes 14 items, ranging from professional sports memorabilia to local experiences. Among the featured items are an autographed Pittsburgh Steelers jersey from former Wisconsin Badger Keanu Benton, a basketball signed by Greg Gard, autographed basketballs from NBA players Cade Cunningham and De’Andre Hunter, a Memphis Grizzlies team-signed basketball, and eight suite tickets donated by Rock Road Companies of Janesville, for a future Big Ten basketball game.

Local donors have also contributed themed baskets, including pickleball gear, baking items, wellness and fitness packages, Pampered Chef products, and tickets to the new Aquavia Lumina light experience at the Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.

While Guarding Against Cancer has existed for more than a decade, this marks the first time Craig High School has partnered directly with the foundation.

Local impact

Hanson said one of the most important aspects of the fundraiser is that donations stay local.

“All the money raised goes right back into our area to help families here,” she said. “When people donate to large cancer organizations, you don’t always know where that money ends up. This foundation supports our neighbors.”

That students played a major role in planning and running the event reflects their strong desire to give back, Hanson said

“These kids really care,” she said. “They get excited about helping others, and they’ve been incredible throughout this whole process.”

“Everybody has been affected by cancer in one way or another,” Hanson said. “This is a way for people to help, even if they’re not sure how.”

More information about the silent auction is at: