UNCASVILLE, Conn. (August 16, 2017) – The Connecticut Sun has two games remaining against the Phoenix Mercury, and the fans of both teams will help decide final bragging rights off the court.
The Sun and Mercury are competing to see who can make the biggest impact in their local communities by holding matching food drives, beginning when the Mercury visit Connecticut on August 20th. Both teams will accept donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items until September 1st, when the Sun visit Phoenix.
Whichever team collects the most food – measured by pounds – will earn a $500 donation from the other team for its food bank. The Sun are partnering with the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, which has 81 food centers and feeds almost 20,000 people per month. http://www.uwsect.org/food-center.
There will be another side contest between 6-foot-9 Phoenix center Brittney Griner and 6-foot-6 Sun center Jonquel Jones. If the Sun win, Griner must dunk wearing a Jones jersey. If the Mercury win, Jones will dunk in a Griner jersey. Video of the dunk will be shared on team and player social media channels.
Local government officials are also getting involved in the fun. Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy has put his support behind the challenge.
“While many of us think of donating to food pantries around the holidays the reality is the need exists throughout the year,” Governor Malloy said. “This food drive will help thousands of people in our community as we head into the fall and I am excited to work with the Sun in helping those less fortunate.”
Collection bins will be set up on the Mohegan Sun Arena concourse for Sun home games on August 20th, 23rd and 25th. Season ticket members can also donate at the annual member party on August 22nd.