Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Full-Court Press for LLS

Aflac Group basketball game supports The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Sep 21, 2023 9:20 AM ET
Campaign: Aflac in the Community
The winning team and top fundraisers — Aflac Employee Team: Front row: Erica Cavanagh, Melissa Davis, Kendall Saxon, Veronica Goodwin, with Bob Ruff. Back row: Brandon Smalls, Quan Prowell, Refeno King, Jordan Vernon.
NBA legend Alex English tips off to Aflac Employee Team member, Quan Prowell (left) and Aflac Leaders Team member, Cary Allen (right).
Aflac Employee Team: Front row: Melissa Davis, Kendall Saxon, Veronica Goodwin. Back row: Brandon Smalls, Quan Prowell, Refeno King, Jordan Vernon.
Aflac Leaders Team: Front row: Tom Buff, Amanda Cates, Kevin Ross. Middle row: Darrick Williams, Jennifer Clyburn, Melody Hodge. Back row: Chris Chapman, Cary Allen, Bob Ruff, Jerry Gumbs, Caleb Huffstetler, Colin Martin.
Aflac Volunteer Team: Front row: Amanda Grover, Loren Phipps, Lindsay McCutcheon, Della Law, Angela Kyzer, Sabrina Jackson, Julie Watson. Back row: Jennifer Rogers, Christina McArthur, Claudia Mikell, Sloan Greenway, Tammy Gilson.
Alex English (left) and Bob Ruff (right) get ready for tip off.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

On and off the court, Aflac is committed to advancing the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Aflac Group’s annual “Leaders vs. Employees Basketball Game” is a slam dunk for the cause. 

Teaming up and giving back

Drew Wellness Center in Columbia, South Carolina, was buzzing on Saturday, Sept. 16, as leaders and employees stepped on the court to shoot some hoops and celebrate, honor and remember those touched by cancer. Alex English, NBA legend and former University of South Carolina basketball star, led the tipoff to start the game. It was a fight to the finish, but the employee team came out on top and earned bragging rights for the year — not only for winning the game, but also for being top fundraisers for LLS. 

“The basketball game is a fun way to support the important work and mission of LLS and Light the Night events,” said Bob Ruff, senior vice president, Aflac Group Voluntary Benefits. “Congratulations to the employee team for their victory and for being our top fundraisers.” 

“Supporting LLS is a thoughtful way to honor someone whose life has been impacted by cancer,” said Veronica Goodwin, client manager, Aflac Group, and a member of the winning employee team. “Donating and volunteering for events like our annual basketball game can truly make a difference, especially when we rally together to support LLS.” 

Championing the cause 

Since 2015, Aflac has donated nearly $130,0001 to advance LLS’s mission to cure blood cancers and support patients and families who are facing a blood cancer diagnosis. Aflac also supports LLS through volunteer service. 

“Leukemia has touched my family in a very personal way, which is why I am proud to represent Aflac and our employees on the LLS board of directors for the Georgia/South Carolina chapter,” said Aflac Incorporated Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Max Brodén. “Aflac’s culture of philanthropy opens the door to provide support, time and resources to LLS and other charitable organizations. Through the Aflac Childhood Cancer Campaign, more than $170 million has supported childhood cancer research and treatment.” 

Learn more about how you can get involved with Aflac’s philanthropic initiatives by visiting Doing Good, Giving Back. Columbia employees: Join Team Aflac at Light the Night on Nov. 2. 

1 Source: Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility