Basketball legends. An unforgettable night. One fight much bigger than the game. Former Old Dominion men’s basketball coach Jeff Jones and Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala Executive Committee member Russell Turner join Mike and Aaron to preview the 2026 Hampton Roads Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala. After raising more than $414,000 during its record-setting inaugural event, the gala returns to Chartway Arena on Friday, September 18 with an even bigger goal. This year’s featured guests include: • Geno Auriemma • Ryan Odom • Dave Odom • Seth Greenberg • Phil Martelli • Ralph Sampson • Debbie Ryan • Dave Twardzik • Tony Brothers • Michael Cuddyer • And more to be announced Jeff discusses how his own cancer diagnosis transformed this mission into something deeply personal. Russell shares the heartbreaking story behind his “why” and explains how the American Cancer Society assists patients and families through research, transportation, lodging, treatment support, and other critical services. They also take us behind the scenes of last year’s gala, including an emotional paddle raise that generated approximately $195,000 in only 10 minutes. The 2026 event will feature basketball legends, a VIP reception, outstanding food, open bars, auctions, powerful stories, and an opportunity for Hampton Roads to come together for a cause that touches nearly every family. Tables seat eight guests and are $5,000. Sponsorships, monetary donations, auction contributions, vacation properties, experiences, services, and other in-kind donations are also welcomed. LEARN MORE: https://hamptonroads.acsgala.org/ PURCHASE A TABLE OR DONATE: https://hamptonroads.acsgala.org/tables-donations/ INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR: Please contact Laura Fien, American Cancer Society Staff Partner, at laura.fien@cancer.org Even when you cannot purchase a table or make a donation, you can help by sharing this episode and spreading the word. This is not Jeff’s event. This is not Russell’s event. This is not ODU’s event. This is our event. One team. One fight. Subscribe to The Monarchists for independent coverage of Old Dominion athletics. #ODU #OldDominion #CoachesVsCancer #CancerResearch #MonarchNation YOUTUBE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to The Monarchists 01:15 – Last year’s record-setting $414,000 gala 01:45 – Jeff Jones gives his elevator pitch 04:00 – Geno Auriemma, Ryan Odom and this year’s legends 07:00 – Russell Turner asks Hampton Roads to find its “why” 09:00 – How to purchase a table or support the event 10:30 – Why Jeff Jones made his cancer journey public 12:00 – Building the Legends Gala after retirement 15:15 – Russell Turner shares his deeply personal “why” 17:00 – How the American Cancer Society helps patients 19:00 – Lessons learned from the inaugural gala 22:00 – The search for a presenting sponsor 23:00 – What guests will experience at the gala 25:00 – Making year two even better 27:00 – The $195,000 paddle raise 30:00 – Tables, sponsorships and ways to donate 31:15 – Jeff Jones’ recruiting pitch to Hampton Roads 32:00 – One team. One fight. 33:00 – Final message to Monarch Nation
