Sixers Raise $189,012 To Benefit The Red Cross In The Wake Of Hurricane Sandy Through Operation Rebound, Presented By ACME

SIXERS, ACME TO PRESENT CHECK TO RED CROSS DURING HALFTIME 

OF GAME VS. TORONTO RAPTORS ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 18

PHILADELPHIA, PA. – JANUARY 18, 2013 – The Philadelphia 76ers today announced that they raised $189,012 to benefit the American Red Cross through their “Operation Rebound” relief effort, presented by ACME. Of that amount, some $167,500 was donated by the Sixers owners to spearhead the effort. The balance came from an online auction of unique Sixers experiences and items, and more than $10,000 from sales of Operation Rebound wristbands at ACME stores.

At halftime during the Sixers game against the Toronto Raptors this Friday, January 18 (tip-off at 7:00 p.m.), Sixers Managing Owner Joshua Harris, Co-Managing Owner David Blitzer and CEO and Co-Owner Adam Aron, along with ACME Vice President of Retail Dan Croce, will present a check in that amount to Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes of the American Red Cross.

Officially launched on Monday, November 5 at the Sixers’ home game against the New York Knicks, Operation Rebound tipped off with a $50,000 donation from Sixers Managing Owner Josh Harris and his wife, Marjorie; Sixers Co-Managing Owner David Blitzer and his wife, Allison; and Sixers CEO and Co-Owner Adam Aron and his wife, Abbe, to aid hurricane relief efforts.

In addition to the personal contributions made by Harris, Blitzer and Aron, all of the Sixers co-owners in the United States have also made personal contributions to Operation Rebound, with a total of $167,500 coming from the Sixers owners. The Sixers ownership group also includes Co-Owners Martin Geller, David Heller, Travis Hennings, Tony Ignaczak, James Lassiter, Marc Leder, Michael Rubin, Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith, Handy Soetedjo, Erick Thohir and Art Wrubel.

“It is very important that the entire Sixers organization be deeply participative with our surrounding community. To that end, I’m so proud of our ownership group for stepping up and helping the American Red Cross financially in its important efforts to provide Hurricane Sandy relief. All of us were saddened at the devastation brought on by Sandy, especially at the Jersey Shore which plays such a pivotal role in the lives of so many Sixers fans,” said Sixers Managing Owner Josh Harris.

Sixers CEO and Co-Owner Adam Aron added, “Hurricane Sandy was a cruel natural disaster, whose effects are still felt by our families, friends, neighbors and fans. Therefore, it is satisfying that we, along with ACME Markets, were able to contribute meaningfully to the American Red Cross and their work through Operation Rebound. We are glad to see them help rebuild what was lost in the storm.”

ACME served as the retail partner for Operation Rebound, selling blue wristbands imprinted with “Sixers Operation Rebound” at their stores throughout the Philadelphia area.

“Like many in the region, ACME was impacted by Sandy and we know firsthand that many are still dealing with the aftermath,” said Keith Wyche, president, ACME.  “We were pleased to join with the 76ers to help raise money for those in need and are proud that our customers and team members stepped-up to contribute much needed funds.   While there is still a need for support, we hope this donation is able to help make a difference.”

The Sixers also put game-worn, autographed sneakers and jerseys; autographed team basketballs and canvas prints; and one-of-a-kind experiences up for auction at their dedicated website www.SixersOperationRebound.com, and showed a PSA featuring select players during every home game throughout the program.

Following Friday’s game, the Sixers next host the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center on Monday, January 21 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are still available online atSIXERS.COM, by phone at 215-339-7676 or in person at the Wells Fargo Center box office.