CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) captured the spirit of ACC basketball with a campaign that aimed beyond the arc and beyond the court. As Duke, NC State and North Carolina rallied for the Atlantic Coast Conference title, BCBSNC launched a two part contest which tallied their three-point shots and resulted in each of the Triangle teams’ selected charities receiving donations for an outstanding season.
“The Challenge was developed to embrace the passion of ACC men’s basketball, engage fans across North Carolina, and result in making a contribution to the charities that are important to our area universities,” said Eric Quimby, sports marketing manager for BCBSNC. “Our local ACC teams gave us an exciting season; fans showed their pride through texted votes and in-turn, well-deserving organizations take the win.”
Throughout the 2012-2013 ACC men’s basketball regular season, the three teams competed to see who could score the most three-point baskets. The Duke Blue Devils sunk 244 three-point field goals for the first place win and a $20,000 donation to Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center. North Carolina’s Tarheels secured second place with 225 three-pointers and a $5,000 donation their charity of choice, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Wolfpack of NC State took third place with 160 three-point baskets resulting in a $2,500 donation to The NC State Family Scholarship.
The second component of BCBSNC’s Challenge was to measure the friendly rivalry of the fans. BCBSNC asked them to get involved by texting in support of their favorite team from Dec. 1 through March 10. Nearly 32,000 texts were received. UNC Tarheel fans prevailed with 14,872 texts, securing an additional $2,500 donation to Lineberger Cancer Center.
About BCBSNC:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.74 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For generations, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute in 2012 and 2013. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
About Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center:
Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center, located in Durham, N.C., is nationally ranked among the best in pediatric health care programs. Caring for children is our number one priority, from routine check-ups and immunizations to the treatment of life-threatening injuries and illnesses. At Duke Children’s, we provide hope and the most advanced health care available. We offer innovative procedures including stem cell and bone marrow transplants as well as a variety of support services for our patients and their families. For more information please visit dukechildrens.org.
About UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center:
As one of only 41 National Cancer Center Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers, UNC Lineberger was rated as exceptional, the highest category by the National Cancer Institute. The Center brings together physicians and scientists from across the country to investigate and improve the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer.
With research that spans the spectrum from the laboratory to the bedside to the community, Center faculty work to understand the cause of cancer at the genetic and environmental levels, to conduct groundbreaking laboratory research, and to translate findings into pioneering and innovative clinical trials.
The power of one of the nation's top public universities, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, means that the UNC Lineberger and UNC Cancer Center collaboration, creativity and innovation are the rule – not the exception.
About The NC State Family Scholarship:
The NC State Family Scholarship has been established to provide need-based scholarship assistance to full-time first-degree undergraduate, dependent students enrolled at NC State whose parents are permanent full-time employees of NC State University.
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Photo: Duke’s regular season three pointers turn into a win for Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center in BCBCNC’s Big Three Three-Point Challenge.
Pictured from left: Eric Quimby, sports marketing manager for BCBSNC; Susan Glenn, executive director, planning and development for Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center; and Mike Krzyzewski, head coach Duke University men’s basketball