“Big Bill” Van Wie was a basketball enthusiast who cherished coaching young players and being an avid fan. After his passing from multiple myeloma in 2017, his son Andy Van Wie initiated the Big Bill Van Wie Invitational youth basketball tournament in Waunakee to honor his father’s passion for the game. Following a successful first year, Andy incorporated a fundraising aspect to support UW Health | Carbone Cancer Center.
Now in its seventh year and renamed the Big Bill and Bob Van Wie Invitational, the event has generated over $230,000 for Carbone Cancer Center. This effort also commemorates Bill’s brother Bob, who died of liver cancer in 2023.
Andy expressed his commitment to continuing the tournament annually: “I always get asked, every year, ‘Will you do it again next year?’ I go, ‘Yeah, I’m not stopping this,’” he said. “I want to get to $1 million for Carbone, and go on from there, so that’s my goal.”
The tournament takes place each February and is designed to capture what Big Bill loved about basketball: camaraderie among kids and fans and the joy of sports. Spectators enjoy free admission along with complimentary popcorn—a favorite snack of Bill’s—and have opportunities to donate through various means such as silent auctions and raffle tickets.
Participating teams contribute entry fees directly as donations to Carbone Cancer Center. Players can also secure community pledges that donate based on their performance at free throws during the event. Many dedicate these pledges in memory of loved ones affected by cancer.
Andy highlighted one significant source of funds: “I mean, there’s some years where we’ve raised $15,000 just off of the players’ pledges.” The top fundraiser each year receives a three-day stay package in Wisconsin Dells as recognition for their efforts.
The tournament aims to create an enjoyable environment for participants and spectators alike. Features include music during time-outs on championship courts, pregame introductions for all players and teams, free T-shirts for participants, trophies for achievements like 3-point shooting contests or lead fundraising efforts.
Volunteers help manage various aspects such as game photos, scorekeeping, concessions managements including running raffles. “These young kids get to hear their name when they hit a bucket on a championship court,” Andy noted about enhancing personal experiences during games.
Support from local businesses is vital; services required are either donated or absorbed by organizers ensuring that all funds raised benefit Carbone directly. “It’s a lot of fun,” Andy remarked regarding organizing efforts with volunteers’ assistance from family members or friends who wish merely contribute towards this cause-driven initiative—”I couldn’t be more thankful.”
