SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz announced Monday the renewal of a partnership with a Utah County tech company aimed at raising awareness and funding in the battle against cancer.
Provo-based Qualtrics has renewed its sponsorship of the 5 For The Fight Jazz jersey patch through the 2022-23 season. The company will also continue as the Exclusive Fan Experience and analytics partner of the team, a news release stated.
The partnership began in 2017 when Qualtrics established its commitment for the global campaign, which invites individuals to donate $5 for efforts to find a cure for cancer. At the time, the partnership was the first-ever cause-related sponsorship in the history of North American professional sports and is currently the only such jersey patch in the NBA, the released stated.
Thus far, the 5 For The Fight campaign has raised more than $24 million to support cancer research around the globe, including the Huntsman Cancer Institute. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Zions Bank Basketball Campus in Salt Lake City.
As the start of the NBA season approaches, the Jazz organization and Qualtrics are issuing a public service announcement encouraging fans to join and support the mission to eliminate cancer by pledging $5. The announcement included Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller, several players, Ryan Smith, co-founder and CEO of Qualtrics and co-founder of 5 For The Fight, as well as five cancer fighters, Emma Houston, Wyatt Page, Dani Phillips, Baylee Semrow and Dave Warren — who collectively represented cancer fighters everywhere.
“I believe 5 For The Fight is an inspiring cause and one which we can all be proud to support,” Miller said. “I appreciate Qualtrics for taking a unique approach to sponsor a purpose-related jersey patch and then use it in a global campaign to raise funds for cancer research.”
The patch is the only emblem in the league focused on promoting a cause, not a corporation, she added.
“I am proud to be affiliated with this campaign and I encourage fans everywhere to commit to give 5 For The Fight,” Miller said.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to deepen our partnership with the Utah Jazz,” Smith said. “Together, we have created a unique sponsorship — one that focuses on perfecting the fan experience through consistent innovation while also rallying people from across the world to join us in the fight against cancer.”
“By crowdfunding cancer research, 5 For The Fight is changing the way people give and increasing the pace of cancer research,” he said.
During the event, the five cancer fighters each signed to a symbolic $5 contract with the Jazz, Qualtrics and 5 For The Fight. The contracts engage the “team” of five to participate in 5 For The Fight Night on Oct. 30 when the Jazz host the Los Angeles Clippers at Vivint Arena. They will stand with the Jazz team on court during the national anthem, sit in VIP seats wearing personalized No. 5 jerseys, and lead the arena in a special third-quarter moment recognizing people who have fought or are battling cancer, according to the release.
Breast cancer fighter Emma Houston said she is grateful for the intentionality the Jazz and Qualtrics have put into the partnership of 5 For The Fight and their efforts to support research aimed at eradicating cancer.
“It makes my heart smile. It makes me want to do a ‘happy dance’ that these organizations are (working) for a bigger cause,” she said.
Though it’s been 14 years since she was diagnosed as “cancer-free,” Houston said the attitudes about the disease have changed dramatically in a way that offers hope that a cure may one day be realized.
“There is more education and more research. There’s the importance of organizations working together,” she explained. “Where we are now is totally different (than 14 years ago). The treatments that are being given, the opportunities for success and (life) longevity. Regardless of who finds a cure, somebody find the cure.”
Contributions for the 5 For The Fight campaign can be made at 5forthefight.org. In addition, co-branded 5 For The Fight and Utah Jazz gear can also be purchased on the site with all funds raised through donations and merchandise sales going to support cancer research.