In honor of its annual “Hoops for Troops” game on Sunday (May 29), the three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury will team up with non-profit, Pets for Patriots, to raise funds for the adoption of companion animals to help local veterans. A special donation drive will take place in the Casino Arizona Pavilion at Phoenix Suns Arena prior to the Mercury’s matchup with the Washington Mystics, scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m.
To celebrate Arizona’s servicemen and servicewomen, the proceeds from Sunday’s drive will be used to offer local veterans the gift of companionship via the adoption of last-chance shelter dogs and cats through Pets for Patriots. The Mercury have set a goal of raising $2,500, enough to help 10 veterans and animals in the Phoenix area. In addition to donating at Sunday’s game, fans can visit PhoenixMercury.com starting tomorrow (May 27) until July 4 to donate to the cause.
As part of Sunday’s game, members of the military will be paired up and announced with the Mercury’s starting lineup during player introductions. In addition, the National Anthem will be performed by Navy Petty Officer First Class Retired, Steven Powell, while members of the military and children of servicemen and women will hold an American flag large enough to cover the court entirely. Throughout the game, veterans and active duty personnel will be recognized in a number of tributes, activities and contests.
In advance of the “Hoops for Troops” game, the Mercury hosted a free youth basketball clinic for children of military families at Luke Air Force base on May 7, where alumni Jennifer Gillom and Carolyn Moos taught various basketball skills. Suns assistant coach Jason Fraser and alumnus Mark West were also on hand to lead basketball drills.
ABOUT PETS FOR PATRIOTS:
Pets for Patriots, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization dedicated to bringing pets and people together in a lifelong bond of mutual friendship, loyalty and love. We create unique opportunities for members of the military community to save a life by honorably adopting homeless adult dogs and cats. We support member Patriot adoptions of adult shelter pets, large dogs and special needs animals – those most in need of a loving, forever home – from any of our member shelters. Our goal is to make the benefits of shelter pet adoption a reality for military personnel, ensuring many years of friendship, companionship and joy with their honorably adopted dog or cat. Learn more at www.petsforpatriots.org.
Help support this effort by checking out our donations page.