The second annual Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund 4Kay Golf Classic raised nearly $200,000 for cancer research and generated a friendly wardrobe agreement in the process.

The golf classic, the centerpiece of the two-day event that also included a charity auction and gala, generated $175,000 in contributions to surpass the inaugural year’s donations by $33,000.

Silent auction items from organizations across the nation raised nearly $10,000, but the live auction produced a number of spirited battles among the women’s basketball coaches, administrators and other supporters. For example, a pair of 2010 Orange Bowl tickets sparked a bidding war between the Auburn and Virginia Tech coaching staffs. As the bid grew, Miami (Florida) coach Katie Meier threw in dinner for four at Shula’s.

Tennessee coach Pat Summitt volunteered a pink cowboy hat as an impromptu live auction item, complete with an autograph to the winning bidder. After the bidding exceeded $1,000, Summitt offered $2,000, on the condition that Texas assistant Mickie DeMoss (who was an assistant under Summitt at Tennessee for many years) wear the hat during a 2009-10 regular-season game. 

Virginia Tech head coach Beth Dunkenberger volunteered to increase the bid if Texas head coach Gail Goestenkors would wear the hat during a televised game. The negotiations led to a total $10,000 contribution, with Goestenkors and Summitt agreeing to each wear a similar hat to coach their December 6 ESPN2 televised match-up in Knoxville in continued public support of the fund. 

Three Kay Yow signature items designated by the late coach to benefit the fund also were popular. A pink North Carolina State jersey autographed by coach Yow went to former Duke coach Debbie Leonard, and a pink hat worn by Yow at the inaugural Classic went to Kristina Johnson, United States under secretary for energy and longtime women’s basketball supporter. 

Yow’s director’s chair led to a bidding war between fund board members Geno Auriemma of Connecticut and board President Stephanie Glance. Auriemma prevailed with a $5,000 bid, then donated the chair back to the Fund.

In the golf tournament, Team ACC, led by ACC Commissioner John Swofford, won the East Course tournament, while Team Robuck, captained by Frank Robuck, took top West Course honors. 

Course honors. 

For more information about the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund visit www.wbca.org.