Jeff Jones and Russell Turner - Coaches vs Cancer Legends Gala Preview

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 announcedJeff 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.orgEven 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 #MonarchNationYOUTUBE CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome to The Monarchists01:15 – Last year’s record-setting $414,000 gala01:45 – Jeff Jones gives his elevator pitch04:00 – Geno Auriemma, Ryan Odom and this year’s legends07:00 – Russell Turner asks Hampton Roads to find its “why”09:00 – How to purchase a table or support the event10:30 – Why Jeff Jones made his cancer journey public12:00 – Building the Legends Gala after retirement15:15 – Russell Turner shares his deeply personal “why”17:00 – How the American Cancer Society helps patients19:00 – Lessons learned from the inaugural gala22:00 – The search for a presenting sponsor23:00 – What guests will experience at the gala25:00 – Making year two even better27:00 – The $195,000 paddle raise30:00 – Tables, sponsorships and ways to donate31:15 – Jeff Jones’ recruiting pitch to Hampton Roads32:00 – One team. One fight.33:00 – Final message to Monarch Nation