The couple, both of whom lost parents to heart disease, are known for their philanthropy, including the "Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center" at UConn and the annual "Jim Calhoun Holiday Food Drive" which has raised nearly $1 million supporting food assistance agencies that serve to help families in need throughout the State of Connecticut. In 1998, a $125,000 gift from Jim Calhoun and his wife Pat established the "Jim and Pat Calhoun Cardiology Research Fund" at UConn Health Center. The "Jim Calhoun Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament" was launched in 1999 and has since raised millions in support of the endowment fund. In 2003 & 2004, Coach Calhoun served as celebrity host of the black tie gala ""Hoops For Hope"", by Coaches vs. Cancer, a program established in 1993 by the American Cancer Society; the events raised over $400,000 for the ACS. 2007 is the first year of "The Big Y Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride" statewide event to benefit "The Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center" at the University of Connecticut Health Center; the ride raised over $225,000.