The Philadelphia 76ers announced on Nov. 3, 2004, that the 76ers Hometown Hero award has been renamed the 76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott Award.

The 76ers introduced a new program entitled “76ers Hometown Heroes” during the 2001-02 season and has continued the program since. The program awards two tickets to “an everyday hero in the community” to a 76ers home game during the season.

The Sixers are accepting nominations for its 2005-06 76ers Hometown Hero program. Anyone can nominate a neighbor, friend or relative who is a firefighter, policeman, rescue worker, or just an everyday hero like a teacher or community leader making a difference. The program awards two tickets to “an everyday hero in the community” to a 76ers home game during the season and Ambassador of 76ers Basketball World B. Free presents the award to the recipient at center court during the first timeout of the first quarter at every home game.

Nominations should include the person’s name, address, telephone number, occupation, why the individual is an everyday hero and why they should be chosen by the 76ers. Entries can be submitted in writing to:

Philadelphia 76ers
Attn: 76ers Hometown Hero Program
3601 South Broad St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19148

Or e-mail us your nomination.

One “Hometown Hero” will be selected for each of the home games and receive two tickets for that game.

Alex's Lemonade Stand

Alexandra "Alex" Scott was the founder of Alex's Lemonade Stand For Pediatric Cancer Research. Scott, who was diagnosed in January of 1997 just two days before her first birthday with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer, passed away peacefully at the age of eight at home on August 1, 2004, with her family by her side. She was the first-ever two-time recipient of the 76ers Hometown Hero award. The family of Alex Scott: parents Liz and Jay, and brothers Patrick, Eddie and Joey, will accept the inaugural 76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott Award. In 2004 alone, Scott’s efforts raised over 1 million dollars for pediatric cancer research.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand had been raising money for over four years for pediatric cancer research by selling lemonade to fight childhood cancer. Scott’s fundraising efforts went beyond raising thousands of dollars for her favorite charities. Her story has inspired people to improve our world by helping others. Many other children have held their own fundraisers in Alex’s name to fight childhood cancer. Sixers President and General Manager Billy King has visited the stand the last three summers to deliver a check from Sixers Charities.

“Alex was an inspiration to me personally and everyone in the Sixers organization,” King said. “Her courage and determination touched so many people across the country. We are honored to keep her memory alive by recognizing those who are making a difference in people’s lives.”

Scott, who underwent treatment for the disease since infancy, has received national recognition for her fund-raising efforts on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” NBC’s “Today Show,” “The Early Show” on CBS, the “CBS Evening News” with Dan Rather, Time magazine, People, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, “The John Walsh Show,” “Fox News”, and many local and regional newspapers, television stations and magazines.

For more information on how to donate to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Fund go to www.alexslemonade.com.