MADISON, Wis. — For the seventh year in a row, University of Wisconsin-Madison students came to the Kohl Center in big numbers to take their shot at cancer.

On Monday afternoon, Wisconsin basketball head coach Greg Gard and his wife, Michelle, issued the challenge and UW-Madison students responded like they always do. At an annual event that is now called "Swish Upon A Cure," UW students helped raise the Gards' donation to $22,030 in the fight against cancer.

"I love this event because it gives Michelle and I, as well as our team, a chance to interact with our great student body and all for a good cause," Greg Gard said. "Sadly, cancer affects all of us and anything positive we can do for researchers and patient care here in the state of Wisconsin helps. I'm proud and excited at how many UW students showed up and hopefully had a good time along the way."

Former head coach Bo Ryan and his wife, Kelly, began the event seven years ago and donated/raised over $1 million. The Gards have carried on the tradition and its simple premise: UW-Madison students come to the Kohl Center and take a shot at the head coach's wallet. For starters, Greg and Michelle Gard donated $1 to Garding Against Cancer for every UW-Madison student that simply walked into the Kohl Center. Students were then given an opportunity to knock down some shots to increase the donation. For a made free throw, $5 was donated and for every half-court shot another $500 was donated.

On Monday, close to 1,300 students hit a combined 37 half-court shots during the three-hour event.

Students also had the opportunity to meet Coach Gard and the team, enjoy music by DJ Shawna, free food and beverages, prizes, giveaways and more. One lucky student won a trip for two to travel with the men's basketball team to a road game this season.

The first chance to see this season's Badgers in action is Sunday, Oct. 21, at the Red/White Scrimmage. Admission is free and tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. CT at the Kohl Center.