Lady Bucks Announce "Formula FastBreak"

March 19, 2007 - Fans attending the Bucks/Pistons game on Sunday, March 25 will have an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of single mothers in the state of Wisconsin. The “Lady Bucks” – a group of Bucks wives, family members and employees – have teamed up with Piggly Wiggly and Hunger Task Force to coordinate the first-ever “Bucks Formula FastBreak”, an event designed to raise funds and collect baby/infant formula for Wisconsin mothers in need.

“This is a cause that all Bucks fans – both men and women – can easily be a part of,” said Jan Krystkowiak, wife of Bucks Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak. “When we first spoke about our involvement with this event, the entire Lady Bucks group felt that it was a worthwhile cause and something that could impact the lives of many children and families in Wisconsin.”

The event will take place in Lobbies A, B, C and D at the Bradley Center. Donation barrels and cash collection tables will be located in each of the four lobbies. Fans are encouraged to donate any infant/baby formula product (powder or liquid), or cash that will be used to purchase formula. Donations will be accepted from the time the doors open at 1:30 p.m. through the conclusion of Sunday’s game, which begins at 2:30 p.m.

“We all know how expensive and valuable infant formula is,” said Sherrie Tussler, Hunger Task Force executive director. “Thanks to the dedication of the Milwaukee Bucks, Piggly Wiggly, and concerned Bucks fans throughout Milwaukee, mothers will be able to sleep soundly knowing their newborn children will receive the formula they need to be healthy.”

“As Wisconsin’s leading food supplier, Piggly Wiggly encourages Bucks fans to help us ensure low-income mothers in southeast Wisconsin have access to healthy supplies of infant formula for their newborns,” said Dawn Thaves, Piggly Wiggly promotions manager. “It’s important that we provide our youngest neighbors with the food to make it through their infancy healthy and happy.”

Hunger Task Force advocates breast feeding as the first and best option for new mothers. In situations where breast feeding is impossible, Hunger Task Force acts to ensure mothers are equipped with sufficient supplies of infant formula to ensure that newborns receive the nutrition they need.

The “Formula FastBreak” event was inspired by Amy McBurney of Muskego, WI. McBurney was an audience member for a taping of the Oprah show “Pay It Forward” that aired on October 30, 2006. At the taping, Oprah gave everyone in the audience a gift card valued at $1,000. The requirement was that each person was to use the money to make a difference in the lives of others. McBurney donated her $1,000 to Hunger Task Force to be used specifically for baby formula. When members of the “Lady Bucks” heard of the donation, they were inspired to build upon the effort by creating “Formula FastBreak.”