By Les Johns

Basketball fans can enjoy some action Friday night — without having to camp out for several days — and help contribute to a great cause.

As part of their Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is sponsoring its third annual Hoop for the Cause philanthropy event. The event, which will take place at the Seaton Center at 8:30 p.m. Friday, will feature a 16-team 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

“This year will be bigger and better than ever,” said Monique Brown, president of Iota Sigma, the UK chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

This year will be the first time that men will be incorporated in the 3-on-3 tournament, Brown said.

Although the teams will have between three and five total players, one of the three on-the-court players for each team during play will be a male.

Proceeds from team registrations and spectator donations will go to the American Cancer Society.

“Alpha Kappa Alpha is a wonderful organization that has helped us with wig drops throughout the years,” said Kerri Buchanan, community representative for the American Cancer Society.

Brown said the goal is to purchase 40 wigs — double amount they were able to purchase with donations last year — and contribute to the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good. . . Feel Better” campaign.

Donated wigs are given to local cancer patients in the program free of charge.

“Look Good. . . Feel Better” is one of the staple programs of the American Cancer Society, Buchanan said.  The program teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients dealing with the appearance-related effects of  treatment.

In addition to Hoop for the Cause, Alpha Kappa Alpha will host “Run Like a Girl” on Saturday afternoon — a program started this year to get more men involved in the fight for breast cancer.

“It’s a chance for men to grab a pair of heels and run for the cause,” Brown said of the event that will feature men running a relay race in women’s shoes.

Hoop for the Cause is open to the public, with donations accepted for the American Cancer Society.  Brown said that there will be halftime performances and other special surprises during the evening.

Run Like a Girl will take place Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. on the walkway leading up to W. T. Young Library.