Spurs Join Forces For San Antonio ASSIST Fund

The San Antonio Spurs Tuesday announced that they are working with the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, local law enforcement agencies and firefighters to spearhead and promote the San Antonio ASSIST Fund, which will be administered by United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. This Fund is an emergency fund to help San Antonio Service Members and Families of those Active Duty, Guard and Reserve military people who have been engaged in support of the war against terrorism.

"I can't think of anything worse than being called to active duty and having a family suffer," said Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairman Henry Cisneros. "We are asking military men and women to serve our country, and as a community we must be willing to serve our country and fellow man as well. The least we can do is provide the temporary assistance these families will need during a difficult time."

Representing the numerous organizations involved in the support of the ASSIST Fund at today's press conference were Trinity University President Dr. John Brazil, San Antonio Spurs Chairman Peter Holt, Spurs Executive Vice President of Business Operations Russ Bookbinder,

Spurs players and coaches, President and CEO Joseph R. Krier from the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Henry Cisneros of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, United Way of San Antonio's President Howard Nolan, San Antonio Police Department Chief Al Philippus, San Antonio Fire Department Chief Robert Ojeda, a Bexar County Deputy Chief Reuben Garcia, Marketing Director Dean Aitken from the San
Antonio Express-News, and Bexar County's Judge Nelson Wolff.

"This is great way for the people of Bexar county to support the men and women who serve our country," said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.
San Antonio Police Department Chief Al A. Philippus added, "We owe it to our nation to do everything we can as a community to support those who serve in our Armed Forces during this monumental conflict."

During the Spurs preseason, fans can clip a special coupon from the San Antonio Express-News, La Prensa, The Informer and select Prime Time newspapers which will entitle the bearer to receive one free ticket to a preseason home game for every $5 donation they make to the ASSIST Fund. The coupon will be available in the Express-News every day except game days beginning Friday, October 5, and can be redeemed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Spurs Box Office located on the South side of the Alamodome.

Approximately 25,000 tickets will be available through this special effort, valued from $10 to $27. Customers can purchase as many tickets as they wish to any - or all of - the four preseason games for the $5 per ticket donation.

"The Spurs want to help our country - and the families who are being affected in San Antonio - during this time of crisis," said Spurs Chairman Peter Holt. "By partnering with all of these great organizations, we will be able to unite our fans and help our city give back to those people who are going to work for America."

The preseason home schedule for the Spurs includes the Boston Celtics on Saturday, October 13, the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, October 16, the New York Knicks on Friday, October 19, and the Houston Rockets on Friday, October 26.

Spurs chairman Peter Holt joined City, County, and other officials for the ASSIST Fund announcement. (Spurs photo.)