On Friday night, March 29, 2019, Pasco Hernando State College hosted their first ever professional basketball league game, Tampa Bay Titans vs. Raleigh Firebirds. Billed as ‘Moffitt Hoops for Hope,’ the match was also a fundraiser for Moffitt Cancer Center and supported PHSC student athletic programs. The theme of the evening also increased cancer awareness.
PHSC President Dr. Timothy Beard explained how the event came to be.
“This relationship really stemmed back about five years ago,” said Dr. Beard. “My goal [then] was to do outreach in terms of community engagement.” Dr. Timothy Beard has been with the college for 12 years and the last four years he has served as President of PHSC.
The late Tampa pastor, Timothy Jones, was also a board member of Moffitt Cancer Center. He requested that his son in law keep relations strong with PHSC, Moffitt Cancer Center and the community. His son in law, Dr. Chuck Wilson, is a former PHSC employee and friend of Dr. Beard. Dr. Wilson approached Dr. Beard about partnering with the Tampa Bay Titans for a fundraising event.
Speaking about the partnership between these organizations, Dr. Beard remarked,
“The relationship, with Dr. Wilson and Dr. Greene of Moffit along with the Titans really are the reason we are here today and this is something that is going to go way beyond tonight. We plan to continue to build a great partnership.”
Dr. Lee Greene, who was not present during this event, is Vice President of Moffitt Diversity, Public Relations & Strategic Communications at Moffitt Cancer Center and is an avid supporter of the PHSC medical summits at the Porter campus in Wesley Chapel.
“One of my high priorities of this institution is that we build not just a state college, but a college for our community… We want to be known for that,” Dr. Beard added.
Tampa Bay Titans owner, Bassel Harfouch stated, “Giving back is everything for me. The biggest thing for us is branding and how we brand ourselves. Tying our name with PHSC and Moffitt is huge. The purpose of this league is to be able to give back, touch souls. If I can make an impact on someone’s life or in the community or city that is what I am going to do.”
The stands were quickly filled. PHSC basketball players along with fans watched every move of the professional players.
