Swishes for Wishes

Now through Friday, March 1, members of the Penn basketball team and other notable "shooting stars," including Mayor Ed Rendell, President Judith Rodin, KYW-TV's Ukee Washington, and WPVI-TV's Cecily Tynan will be making "Swishes for Wishes" on College Green. The third annual free-throw marathon is a benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia, a non-profit organization dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Proceeds from this year's event will go to help Timmy, a seven-year-old West Philadelphia resident, fulfill his dream of visiting Walt Disney World.

All members of the Penn community are invited to help raise money at the week-long event by sponsoring a "shooting star" or, if they prefer they may try their own hand at trying to sink the three free throws themselves. (May be easier done than said!) Sponsors of good shots (two out of three free throws sunk) will be entered in a raffle to win a trip for two to New Orleans, autographed Phillies memorabilia, 76ers tickets and Adidas athletic wear. Instant prizes will also be awarded to sponsors of sure shots who sink all three free throws. Raffle winners will be announced at half-time of the Penn-Princeton basketball game on March 5. ($10 seats are still available, call the Ticket Office at 898-6151.)

Michele Wisch, a senior in the Wharton School and eight-year Make- A-Wish volunteer, got the idea for a benefit free-throw tournament while in high school. Three years ago, she proposed "Swishes for Wishes" as a possible project for a group dynamics class taught by Penn basketball coach Fran Dunphy. He encouraged her to organize the event, which has grown in visibility and involvement over the years. Comoputer Associates International, The Phillies, the Sixers and Adidas have donated equipment, money and prizes for the fund-raiser.

This year's shooters can be found on a mini-basketball court on College Green, near Van Pelt Library, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. with the following special celebrity shooters:

Channel 3 sportscaster Ukee Washington--Wednesday, February 28, noon

Channel 6 weathercaster Cecily Tynan--Wednesday, February 28, 1 p.m.

Penn President Judith Rodin--Thursday, February 29, 12:30 p.m.

Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell--Friday, March 1, 2 p.m.


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