On Feb. 1, Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan agent Rick Eder sponsored a “Coaches vs. Cancer” charity basketball game at Chelsea High School.

“The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a great opportunity to team up and make a difference in the fight against cancer,” Eder said in a press release.

Through a new initiative between Farm Bureau Insurance and the American Cancer Society, agents across Michigan are invited to sponsor custom jerseys worn by the players at a chosen home game during the month of February.

“The Chelsea boys basketball program is honored to be teaming up with Rick Eder Agency and the American Cancer Society for this year’s event,” said John Zainea, assistant coach boys’ varsity basketball with Chelsea High School. “Time and again, the Chelsea community rallies behind efforts to raise funds for school-sponsored programs and causes. Often times, Chelsea athletes and coaches are the direct beneficiaries of this generosity, so we are thankful for the opportunity to use our program’s platform to bring help and support to others.”

As part of the event, boys’ varsity players wore special jerseys in honor of those they know who have been touched by cancer both those who have passed and survivors.

The opponents, Adrian High School, also wore commemorative jerseys from their Coaches vs. Cancer event in January.

To further the fundraising efforts, special thanks go out to Roberts Paint & Body; Jeff Klink, Reinhart Realtors, Rick Eder Agency and Curtis Chiropractic for sponsoring custom T-shirts sold to event spectators in honor of the event. Thanks also to Ink Frenzy for their help in this year’s design and quick turn-around.

The CHS Interact Club was instrumental during in-game fundraising including T-shirt sales, Wall of Honor card sales and 3-point challenge tickets.

“Farm Bureau Insurance Agencies have been long-time partners of the American Cancer Society through our Partners Against Cancer program, joining their local communities in the fight against cancer,” said American Cancer Society’s Abigail Samuels, senior community development manager. “We are proud to work with our local agents, and grateful for Farm bureau Insurance – Rick Eder Agency, for sponsoring this year’s Coaches vs. Cancer basketball game at Chelsea High School.”

The inaugural event was a success raising in excess of $1,000 for the American Cancer Society.

About Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan

Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan was founded in 1949 by Michigan farmers who wanted an insurance company that worked as hard as they did. Those values still guide the company today and are a big reason why they are known as Michigan’s Insurance Company, dedicated to protecting the farms, families, and businesses of this great state. Farm Bureau Insurance agents across Michigan provide a full range of insurance services-life, home, auto, farm, business, retirement, Lake Estate®, and more – protecting over 500,000 Michigan policyholders.