Sam Price (Eau Claire, Wis./North) and Leslie Schaefer (Verona, Wis./Verona) had the opportunity to participate in the 2009 Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Games June 20, and both jumped at the chance. But along with the shot to play in Wisconsin's premier basketball game for graduated seniors, Price and Schaefer also did some fundraising for the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, or the MACC Fund.

"This wasn't just about basketball," said Price. "When I found out we had to raise money for the MACC Fund I was really excited. The opportunity showed me that people are willing to give when it's for a good cause."

Proceeds and fundraising by the participating student-athletes went to the MACC Fund. Since the MACC Fund's inception in 1976, over $39 million has been secured to help fight against childhood cancers and blood disorders.

The Kent State freshmen combined to raise over $4,000 for the MACC Fund, and the total money raised by the event was estimated at over $100,000. In the 32-year history of the WBCA All-Star Games, over $1.6 million has been raised.

"My mom and I put together a letter describing the all-star game and what the MACC Fund was about," said Price. "I really didn't expect such a good response. It was nice that even people who didn't have a lot of money gave just $5 to donate just a little bit."

The WBCA All-Star games are held annually in Madison, with this year's contests held at the Madison Area Technical College. Both the boys and girls have four divisions, mirroring the breakdown for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association's divisions for the basketball season.

As for the game, Price and Schaefer were on opposing teams, with Price playing for the Division I North team while Schaefer started for the South. The North defeated the South, 97-71, aided by a 14-point effort by Price. Schaefer tallied eight points and five rebounds for the South squad.

"We had a lot of fun throughout the week," said Schaefer. "A lot of the players I had already known from AAU, basketball camps, or simply just playing against them for many years. It was great to get a chance to play with them and not against them."

For more information on the MACC Fund, visit: http://www.maccfund.org/index.html