MEMPHIS, March 4 ,2011 — The Memphis Grizzlies are hosting Hoops for St. Jude Night this Wednesday, March 9 when they take on the New York Knicks.
The Grizzlies’ Hoops for St. Jude Night is a culmination of a nationwide fundraising effort in support of St. Jude that spans the 2010-11 season. The Grizzlies’ own Rudy Gay, along with other NBA stars Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard, Kevin Love, Steve Blake, David Lee along with Denver Nuggets Head Coach George Karl, are this season’s lineup of Hoops for St. Jude ambassadors. Each player involved will donate at least $20,000 to St. Jude.
Prior to the game against the Knicks, Gay will present a check with his contribution of $22,222.22 to St. Jude. The Grizzlies will also be presenting a check for the money that was raised at the Grizz Gala, presented by Gold Strike Casino, last month.
“The Hoops for St. Jude initiative is another wonderful and important program started by St. Jude’s team to help fund the world-renowned children’s research hospital,” said Greg Campbell, Grizzlies President of Business Operations. “As in years past, we are proud to be able to do our part to assist our partner in the Memphis community in making this a major success.”
PSAs promoting the campaign will be shown throughout the evening, while a patient family will be given special recognition during the contest. There will also be a special National Anthem performance by a St. Jude patient.
Grizzlies Head Coach Lionel Hollins, along with members of the coaching and broadcast staffs, will be wearing St. Jude lapel pins in support of Hoops for St. Jude Week from March 4-11.
Last season, Gay received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for April 2010 in part for the role that he played in the Hoops for St. Jude campaign. Gay donated $22,222.22 last March to the initiative, leading a group of NBA players and Denver Nuggets Head Coach George Karl to help support the nationwide campaign.
To take part in the Hoops for St. Jude Night on March 9 when the Grizzlies host the Knicks, fans can purchase tickets at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 1-800-4NBA-TIX ,by visiting the FedExForum Box Office or online.