Mission  

The mission of the Mario V. Chalmers Foundation is to create and support community based programs that encourage the positive development of youth through sports and education and fund initiatives for breast cancer research and treatment.

The MVC Foundation will strive to empower, inspire and enable youth to live healthy lifestyles, pursue education first and give back to their communities. Each activity supported by the MVC Foundation will encourage youth to stay positive, and remind them that in times of adversity...we must perform.

Inspiration

 Growing up in Anchorage, Alaska, basketball was not only a sport for Mario, but a teacher that would offer many life lessons to be used on and off the court. Perseverance and dedication as an athlete, loyalty and compassionate as a friend are the inspirations behind his desire to fund programs for breast cancer treatment and research as well as support programs that offer youth an opportunity to develop through education and sports.

In honor of Pauline Peterson (aka: Ms. Pauline): Ms. Pauline was a dear family friend and team mom who loved the game of basketball. Full of enthusiasm and cheer, she would root for her son, Paul and Mario as they competed together in Advanced Skills YMCA and AAU basketball. She cheered them on them through a phenomenal season ending in the league Championship.

As her son, Paul entered into his freshman year of school; Ms. Pauline entered in a battle with breast cancer. For much of the year she fought for her life, but came out victorious as Doctor's determined that her battle with cancer was over. As she celebrated the healthy report she and her family decided to relocate from Anchorage, Alaska to Abilene, Texas, where her boys could continue to grow into the fine young men on and off the court.

After five years of a sunny cancer free life, the cancer returned and she again entered into a battle against an aggressive breast cancer. Although her cheers could no longer be heard from the stands, her spirit could still be felt as Mario, and her son Paul rallied their teammates together to have phenomenal seasons in Alaska and Texas. In the midst of her battle, Ms. Pauline continued to offer words of encouragement and was joyful as she witnessed two young men realize one big dream of being a part of a High School State Championship team.

Her joy continued to rise as she was able to see the same young men realize the bigger dream of playing college basketball. Her son Paul played for Brigham Young , Hawaii while Mario played at the University of Kansas.

As her spirits were lifted her condition continued to decline and her battle intensified. In the midst of it all, she never stopped encouraging all who knew her and had a major request, to see Mario represent Alaska in a Kansas uniform. Her request was granted as she was able to attend and watch Mario and the Kansas Jayhawks take on the University of Texas in Austin.

Ms Pauline passed about a year later. It was at that time Mario vowed to contribute to the research and treatment of Breast Cancer.

Mario's Closet

The Mario V Chalmers Foundation(MVCF) moves forward with the opening of the first "Closet" project. The opening of "Mario's Closet" is designed to provide a variety of free or low cost accessories for breast cancer/cancer patients. 

 Planning is in the works to open the first "Mario's Closet" in the Spring of 2010 at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital, located at 323 Maine Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.  

 Join us in making this project a reality for all whom it will serve.  Thank you in advance for your continued support.

UPCOMING EVENT:

Speak Life With Word Luncheon: Uplifting Wo(men) with Word,

 OREAD Hotel Lobby Ballroom, Lawrence, Kansas,  Feb. 17, 2011, 11:30am - 1:30pm

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the "Mario's Closet" project. 

National Championship Classic Pre-Tournament Mixer,

Alvamar Golf Club, July 22, 2010

(Registration, Silent/Live Auction and meet & greet w/players, sponsors and friends)

National Championship Classic Golf Tournament,

 Alvamar Golf Club, July 23, 2010