FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/20/25
CONTACT: Max Strauss or Ciara Smith, Atlanta Hawks Brand Communications, [email protected]
ATLANTA – Prior to tonight’s game, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, together with the Ressler Gertz Family Foundation, announced a $150,000 donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to increase awareness about prostate cancer and raise funds to support groundbreaking research.
This season, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation pledged a donation of $75,000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), a leading organization dedicated to driving innovation in prevention, detection, and treatment of prostate cancer, while fostering a collaborative research community to accelerate life-saving advancements, including utilizing resources at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
The Ressler Gertz Family Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of Hawks Principal Owners Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz, have matched the donation dollar-for-dollar, resulting in a combined contribution of $150,000. Since 2019, the collaboration between PCF and the Atlanta Hawks has demonstrated ongoing success and impact, with this year’s donation increasing the partnership’s total to $1,077,000.
“Our collaboration with the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Winship Cancer Institute is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, as we are committed to fighting prostate cancer and advancing research,” said David Lee, Executive Vice President of External Affairs and Executive Director of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation. “We believe partnerships have the power to drive change, and our collaboration has been key to continuing the conversation and promoting awareness for fighting prostate cancer.”
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, has led the fight against cancer through pioneering research and expert patient care, providing comprehensive, patient-centered treatments informed by the latest scientific advancements.
“We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of the Atlanta Hawks and the Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz Family Foundation,” said PCF President and CEO Gina Carithers. “Their generosity continues to drive groundbreaking prostate cancer research, accelerating progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Together, we are making a lasting impact, raising awareness, advancing innovation, and providing crucial support for those affected by this disease.”
On site to present the check to PCF were David Lee, Executive Director of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, and Nick Ressler, Principal Advisor to the Governor of the Atlanta Hawks. Also on hand during the presentation was Martin Sanda, MD, a prostate cancer surgeon at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
The donation aims to raise awareness about the importance of prostate cancer screening, particularly among Black men. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but African American men are 76% more likely to develop the disease and more than twice as likely to die from it, with one in six Black men being diagnosed in their lifetime. However, when detected early, prostate cancer has a greater than 99% five-year survival rate.
Since 2019, the Hawks and PCF have partnered together to combat prostate cancer and raise awareness about the disease. Last year, the Atlanta Hawks and the Ressler Gertz Family Foundation pledged $150,000 to support PCF’s efforts in raising awareness and funding critical research initiatives.
To learn more about the Hawks, PCF, and Winship Cancer Institute’s partnership efforts, along with additional resources, visit Hawks.com/PCF.
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ABOUT THE ATLANTA HAWKS
Committed to entertaining and uniting the city of Atlanta since 1968, the Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena, under the leadership of Principal Owners Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz, continue to build bridges through basketball by following its True to Atlanta mantra. On the court, the Hawks’ exciting young core is led by three-time All-Star point guard Trae Young. Off the court, the Hawks organization focuses on positively impacting the lives of Atlantans through providing access to youth basketball, fighting food insecurity, and the transformation of State Farm Arena into Georgia’s largest-ever voting precinct for the 2020 elections. The Hawks family also includes the College Park Skyhawks (NBA G League). Atlanta Hawks Membership, which includes your seat for every home game, is on sale now at www.hawks.com/membership or by calling 866-715-1500. For more information on the Hawks, log on to www.hawks.com or follow us on social media @ATLHawks.
ABOUT THE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION
The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s leading philanthropic organization dedicated to funding life-saving prostate cancer research. Founded in 1993 by Mike Milken, PCF has been responsible for raising more than $1 billion in support of cutting-edge research through more than 2,250 research projects at 245 leading cancer centers, with a global footprint spanning 28 countries. Since PCF’s inception, and through its efforts, patients around the world are living longer, suffering fewer complications, and enjoying better quality of life. PCF is committed to the mission of ending death and suffering from the disease. Learn more at www.pcf.org.
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