Press Releases
Atlanta, GA – June 12, 2014 – American Cancer Society honors Temple University basketball coach Fran Dunphy and Saint Joseph’s basketball coach Phil Martelli with the 2017 Circle of Honor Award, a prestigious national honor within the Coaches vs. Cancer program. The award recognizes college coaches for their extraordinary commitment to the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives against cancer through fundraising and cancer education. The award was presented during the 18th Annual Circle of Honor Dinner and Reception at the Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania.
“It’s a privilege to honor both Coach Dunphy and Coach Martelli in recognition for their selfless support of the Coaches vs. Cancer program, and their continual leadership in raising funds to support our mission of leading the fight for a world without cancer,” said Sharon Byers, chief development and marketing officer, American Cancer Society. “There’s never been a better time to invest in that vision, and with these Coaches, we’re making important contributions that have led to significant progress against cancer.”
Coach Dunphy has been an active member of Coaches vs. Cancer since 1996. He is currently the Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia co-chair, which enables him to lead events including the annual gala, tip-off, pre-season luncheon and school initiative, and has raised over $14 million to the fight against cancer. He is a former chair of the Coaches vs. Cancer National Council, and is a past recipient of the 2002 National Coaches vs. Cancer Coach of the Year Award for his leadership to the program. His wife Ree, is also actively involved with the program as a co-chair of the BasketBALL Gala since its inception 14 years ago.
Since 1993, Coach Martelli has led the Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer program as co-chair helping them raise over $14 million through prominent events including the annual gala, tip-off, pre-season luncheon and school initiative. He currently serves as chair of the Coaches vs. Cancer National Council where he facilitates discussion and participation with other coaches, sponsors and new initiatives. Being part of this program has become a part of him, and he often says the three most important things in his life are his family, his team, and the fight against cancer. Coach Martelli is key to maintaining relationships with the region’s most influential players, and continually acts as a role model for others to join in the fight against cancer. His wife Judy, is also dedicated to the program, and is a co-chair of the BasketBALL Gala, with Ree Dunphy. In 2004, Coach Martelli received the Coaches vs. Cancer Champion Award.
Funds raised from this event will benefit the American Cancer Society in direct support of the Hope Lodge in Philadelphia.
To learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer, visit coachesvscancer.org.