http://www.onwardupward.com/

From
a mere idea that came up during a long car ride in the Fall of 2002 to
its status an annual staple in the THON alumni fund raising circuit,
the Onward Upward Basketball Challenge (OUBC) has come a long way since
that first event in a small YMCA in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Now,
almost six years later, the planning committee is working to plan the
details of the the 8th annual Onward Upward Basketball Challenge right
now, which is scheduled for February 13, 2009. As the largest
contributor to THON of all alumni-led events, this year's event
promises to be another exciting and positive event this winter. As a
brief history, the first OUBC took place in January of 2003, and was
formed by Penn State Alumni, Tim Chiodo (’01), Adam Gentzel (’01),
Randy Whiteside (’01), and Joe Worley (’02). These gentlemen started
the event as a means to stay connected with THON, their fraternity
(Kappa Alpha Order) and the University, all while continuing to
contribute to a great cause they supported during their collegiate
days. Later, in 2005, the OUBC planning committee expanded to include
the services of John Mazzolla (’01, ’03), Jess Worley (’02), KC Gentzel
(’01), and Adam Mills (Elizabethtown College, ’01). Last year’s event,
the 7th annual, raised over $26,500 for THON, toping the prior year’s
total of $26,200 and bringing the six-year total to greater than
$100,700. A team of Penn State alumni captained by Nate Gentzlel ('03)
raised over $3,800 in winning the money raising portion of the event.
Another team of Penn State alumni, captained by Kahlil Williams ('01),
won the tournament in dominating fashion. Also, Adena Comrey, a Four
Diamonds family member, gave an emotional speech to the audience at the
event to help them better understand the cause they had all contributed
to. For more information, photos, history, and details about this
year’s upcoming OUBC, please visit our website at http://www.onwardupward.com 

Link to promo video is at http://oubc.blogspot.com/2009/02/onward-upward-promotional-video.html