The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury raised $53,900 for the American Cancer Society Sunday during Steward Health Care Rock the Pink Day, the team’s annual initiative to raise awareness and funds for breast health.
The funds were raised through the team’s online auction that began on August 18 and a post-game live auction of game-worn Nike Breast Health Awareness uniforms and team gear, a halftime mini basketball toss and the sale of select items in the Phoenix Mercury Team Shop. Select Mercury players, including Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, participated in the postgame live auction.
Prior to tipoff, fans had the opportunity to purchase a mini basketball for $5 to take part in a halftime ball toss. Those who participated had the chance to throw their mini basketball from the stands into a target on the court and the fan that came closest to the target will receive a VIP experience with the Mercury team for an upcoming game.
In addition to Sunday’s fundraising efforts, the lower-level seating bowl at Talking Stick Resort Arena was draped with 9,500 exclusive “Rock the Pink” rally towels for a fourth consecutive PINK OUT thanks to Steward Health Care, creating the WNBA’s most striking visual for one of its signature platforms. The Mercury also honored cancer survivors, battlers and medical professionals in attendance throughout the game, and included survivors in pregame player introductions, the presentation of the court-sized American flag for the national anthem and other in-game activations.
After coming within one win of a trip to the 2018 WNBA Finals, the Phoenix Mercury continue their quest in 2019 in search of a league-record-tying fourth WNBA title with the All-Star trio of Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner and DeWanna Bonner. Tickets for upcoming Phoenix Mercury games can be purchased by calling 602.252.WNBA or by visiting PhoenixMercury.com.
