Cancer society cuts fundraising ties with upstate NY tribe over purchase of cigarette factory

Cancer society cuts Oneida ties over cigarettes

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The American Cancer Society says it’s severing ties with the Oneida Indian Nation, jeopardizing the organization’s annual Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser at the tribe’s Turning Stone Resort and Casino.

The announcement came after the Oneidas said they’ve bought a cigarette manufacturing plant and will make their own cigarettes to sell.

The Cancer Society has been criticized in the past for holding the fundraiser at Turning Stone because the resort allows smoking and the nation sells tax-free cigarettes. The annual gala raised $325,000 this year for the cancer society.

Syracuse University Coach Jim Boeheim, a cancer survivor who sits on the national board of Coaches vs. Cancer and hosts the event, said Thursday he disagrees with the cancer society’s decision.