'Illini Tie Together' planned for Jan. 27

Special T-shirts on sale; ties to be auctioned

Proceeds to help in the fight against cancer

[January 19, 2013]  CHAMPAIGN -- The University of Illinois basketball program is partnering with the American Cancer Society and UI Rebounders booster club for "Illini Tie Together" during the annual Suits and Sneakers weekend. This collaborative effort will support Coaches vs. Cancer when No. 23 Illinois takes on No. 5 Michigan in front of a sold-out Assembly Hall on Jan. 27.

A special tie has been designed for this game: one for every player and for head coach John Groce. There will be a silent auction for the ties from pregame through halftime on Jan. 27 in Rooms 133-134 of the Assembly Hall. The player ties will have their numbers embroidered on the back, and the coach's tie will be autographed. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Coaches vs. Cancer.

In addition, "Illini Tie Together" orange T-shirts are on sale at Gameday Spirit Champaign locations, 519 E. Greet St. and 2028 N. Prospect Ave. The shirts also will be on sale at Assembly Hall merchandise stands prior to Thursday's game vs. Northwestern as well as the Michigan game. A portion of proceeds from sales will go to Coaches vs. Cancer.

Fans are encouraged to wear either the commemorative "Illini Tie Together" T-shirt or a tie to the Jan. 27 game to show their support in the fight against cancer. Members of the Orange Krush student support group will wear ties courtside that day.

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Coaches vs. Cancer

[Text from file received from Derrick Burson, University of Illinois]