WASHINGTON, Ill. — This Saturday, Sept. 4, the third annual BrownFest will be held at Five Points Washington to benefit KBStrong — Fighting the Fight, the foundation created in honor of late Washington basketball coach Kevin Brown.
The foundation was created after Brown died following a battle with Glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, on June 11, 2019.
“Kevin battled hard, and there was an intensity in his battle that was just the way he coached basketball,” said Brown’s wife and event organizer, Jodi Brown. “One of the things we do with BrownFest is bring people — friends and family — together for that cause.”
Brown said the event will be held outdoors, so people have plenty of space to socially distance if they choose to do so.
According to Brown, her husband’s favorite things, outside of coaching basketball, included relaxing and seeing live music.
At BrownFest, live music will be starting at 1:00 p.m. and run all the way until the end of the event at 11:00 p.m.
Bands performing include: Craig Gerdes, Stone Cold Cowboys, and Howl2Go Dueling Pianos.
A bags tournament will also be held at the event, starting at 11:30 a.m. with a DJ playing music.
Money raised during BrownFest goes towards research for Glioblastoma as well as supporting local patients battling the same disease.
“We have met $80,000 of our $150,000 commitment to the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria — to a lab there focused on brain cancer,” said Brown. “We’re hoping to make a big contribution again after BrownFest this year.”
For the foundation, Brown hopes one day it can be a place people turn to when they get the news of a diagnosis.
“My goal someday is KBStrong is going to be like a Susan G. Komen,” said Brown. “This year we started a new group called HEROES, focused not only on the patient, but the loved ones that need that support.
“In a way, talking to folks gives me just an ounce of feeling like I have a little control. Glioblastoma took my husband of 27 years, and I want to be able to be a part of the solution.”
BrownFest kicks off Saturday at 10:00 a.m. with a 5K. Food trucks, cash bars, silent auctions, raffles, and bouncy houses will be going on throughout the day.
For more information, visit the KBStrong — Fighting the Fight Facebook page or the BrownFest Facebook page.
Full interview with Jodi Brown:
