By Mike Steely

steelym@knoxfocus.com

Ever play cards with a comedian, foosball with a TV personality, air hockey with a famous voice or darts with a symphony conductor?

Bet you haven’t, but you can, during an evening of games, auctions, food and fun at “Game On Against Cancer” at Games and Things on Kingston Pike and Lovell Road. It’s all to benefit patients at the Thompson Cancer Survival Center.

Gina Williams, Director of the Thompson Cancer Survival Center Foundation, told The Focus that various celebrities choose games in which they would like to be challenged. The games range from corn hole to cards, shuffle board to billiards, and many other games. Plus there’s food and an auction.

This year’s event is planned for Friday, March 2, from 6 until 10 p.m. and admission is $ 50. Tickets and information is available by calling (865) 331-1227 or online at www.thompsoncancer.com/gameon.

The local celebrates planning to “Game On” so far include Rocky Goodes, Jeff Francis, Pat Ryan, Leanne Morgan, Missy Kane, Dewey “Swamp Rat” Warren, Heather Harrington, Phil Williams, Lee Smith, Maestro Aram Demirjiam and Mayor Tim Burchett.

The person who wins the most games will receive a weekend cabin in Gatlinburg and the celebrity winner gets “bragging rights” and a plaque.

“The proceeds go to the Thompson Cares Program,” Williams explains, “where patients in need get basic living needs,”

Sponsors include WATE-TV, WNMI Radio, News Talk 98.7, WIVK, Comcast Spotlight, Lamar Advertising, N2 Publishing, Games and Things and The Knoxville Focus.

“It’s a fun time,” Williams promised.