Sixers Encourage Fans to Continue Supporting Hurricane Relief Efforts

On Monday, Nov. 21, the Philadelphia 76ers will pay tribute to the city of New Orleans with a host of activities when they host the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets at the Wachovia Center at 7pm. Additionally, the Sixers are encouraging fans to continue supporting the hurricane relief efforts in the Gulf Coast region.

As part of the night, Patricia Edwards, a native of Lancaster, Pa., will receive the "76ers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott" award that recognizes "an everyday hero in the community." In light of the tragedy that Hurricane Katrina inflicted on so many lives, Edwards opened her arms and doors to 49 family members who have had their lives affected by the storm. Shortly after the storm ravaged the Gulf Coast, Edwards answered her door to find six carloads of relatives waiting outside. Instead of being overwhelmed, she welcomed all of them into her four-bedroom house. Edwards has gone above and beyond the call of duty in allowing her relatives to live at her house until they are able and ready to get back on their feet, and return to their normal lives.

During the game, all in-arena entertainment components will be geared to a Mardi Gras theme, including a halftime performance by the Mummers. Keeping in the theme of the evening, the White Caps Dixie Land Trio, a Dixieland band, will perform live in the Cingular Pavilion from 5-7pm. A previously recorded public service announcement featuring Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia Flyers Keith Primeau will also run encouraging fans to continue their support in New Orleans' recovery.

Additionally, the Sixers have teamed up with the Hornets in support of their "Beads for the Big Easy" initiative to raise funds for the Hornets "Hoops for Homes," an outreach program created in an effort to help rebuild their hometown. In conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, their goal is to build 20 new homes in some of New Orleans' hardest hit neighborhoods. With a $2 donation, Sixers fans will be able to get the beads on the main concourse and at the Cingular Pavilion at the Sixers-Hornets game.

The Comcast-Spectacor Foundation, which oversees 76ers Charities, Flyers Charities and Phantoms Charities, will make a donation to the American Red Cross on behalf of its employees, entities and fans who attended events this Fall at Wachovia Center. Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko will present the check to American Red Cross representative Michael Molloy at center prior to the game.

In addition, for every ticket purchased for the 76ers-Hornets game through the Sixers ticket sales hotline (215-339-7676), a $5 donation will be made to the Red Cross.