"Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts, who has shared with viewers her battle with myelodysplastic syndrome and the bone marrow transplant that saved her life, will be honored by the Atlanta Hawks during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 21. Player Al Horford will present the "Be Greater" award on court sometime during the first or second quarter. The Hawks will play a video tribute narrated by Roberts' friend, Channel 2 anchor emeritus Monica Pearson.
"Robin Roberts embodies every aspect of what it means to be a champion, and the Atlanta Hawks are honored to celebrate her courage, spirit and philanthropy," Atlanta Hawks President Bob Williams said in a statement. "She reminds each of us through her actions, to strive to be greater in everything that we do."
Roberts now serves as an ambassador for Be The Match, which connects patients with life-threatening blood cancers with donor matches. According to the organization, “70 percent of patients who need a transplant do not have a matching donor in their family,” making donation from a wide swath of volunteers critical to patients’ survival.
The first 5,000 fans will receive “Prayer for Protection” wristbands, which were designed by Roberts’ friends and bear her initials and the words “Light, Love, Power, Presence.” It’s the prayer Roberts’ mother taught her.
At halftime, Basketball Hall of Famer and Atlanta Hawks alum Dominique Wilkins will attempt a three-point shot for a chance to have $10,000 donated by the Hawks to Be The Match. Roberts has committed to matching the donation if Wilkins makes the shot.
Representatives from Be The Match will attend the game to provide information on becoming a donor. Two dollars from each ticket purchased via the site www.hawks.com/bethematchwith the code ROBIN will be donated to Be The Match efforts in Georgia. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. at Philips Arena.
Atlanta mayor, Georgia governor team up for charity
After partnering last month to present a robust and unified front in the midst of Snowmageddon 2.0, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed plan to team up again later this spring, for a far more pleasant event.
The pair will serve as joint honorees at the 2014 Swan House Ball, planned for 7 p.m. April 26 at the Atlanta History Center. The event, chaired by Aimee Chubb, raises money for the Atlanta History Center's operations and educational programs. For tickets or sponsorship information, contact Katherine Hoogerwerf at 404-814-4102 or KHoogerwerf@AtlantaHistoryCenter.com.
