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State employees to don sneakers with their suits for cancer awareness

Dan Boyce

State employees are taking an opportunity to sport some casual wear to work in exchange for donations to the American Cancer Society.

It’s part of what the society calls the suits and sneakers challenge.

From now until the end of the NCAA finals basketball tournament, state workers will be able to wear sneakers with their business suits or collegiate apparel on Thursdays and Fridays in exchange for a $5 dollar donation.

Governor Steve Bullock himself donned some silver and black sneakers to announce his cabinet will compete with other state agencies in fundraising efforts for the challenge.

Bullock says nearly every Montanan has been impacted by cancer at some point.

"It’s estimated that 5,500 Montanans are diagnosed with cancer each year, one in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime," he said.  "It’s because of these statistics that we commit ourselves to continue in our fight against cancer long after March madness is over and our brackets have been busted and we might have sworn off college basketball."

Staff with the American Cancer Society says this is the first time such a challenge has been attempted by government workers statewide. The organization hopes to raise at least $5,000 with the effort.

Governor Bullock also released his bracket for the March Madness tournament. He has Louisville coming out on top, defeating Michigan State.      

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