May 20, 2008

PITTSBURGH--The University of Pittsburgh and Head Coach Jamie Dixon, in conjunction with UPMC and the American Cancer Society, will host the inaugural Hoops for Hope Basketball Gala on May 31 at the Petersen Events Center.

The black-tie event will offer an evening of dinner, dancing, celebrity appearances and a silent auction with the goal of raising $100,000 for the American Cancer Society. The VIP sponsor reception begins at 5 p.m.; cocktails and silent auctions at 6 p.m.; dinner, program, award ceremony and live auction, 7 p.m.; live music by Jeff Jimerson and Airborne with dancing, 9 p.m.

Slated to attend are Dixon and his wife Jacqueline, Pitt women's basketball coach Agnus Berenato and husband Jack, Duquesne men's basketball coach Ron Everhart and wife Mirchana, Duquesne women's basketball coach Suzie McConnell-Serio and husband Pete, Robert Morris men's basketball coach Mike Rice and wife Kerry and RMU women's basketball coach Sal Buscaglia.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

For more information or to register to attend, contact Dawn Keefer at the American Cancer Society at (412) 919-1100.

--30--