The Grizzlies yesterday announced they will raise $2.5M over 10 years to "aid St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in its mission to treat and cure childhood cancer," according to Sara Clarke of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. The franchise, which regularly hosts patient families at games and events, was "praised" by St. Jude's yesterday for being a "long-standing partner" with the research hospital. St. Jude’s short-term housing facility was "formerly known as the Memphis Grizzlies House." The Grizzlies made a $5M gift "toward the construction of the house," which opened in '04 (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 7/8). In Memphis, Rob Robertson noted the Grizzlies also serve as the "NBA hosts for the league-wide 'Hoops for St. Jude Week,' which raises awareness and funds for the hospital each spring." St. Jude is "naming the basketball court" adjacent to the newly named Tri-Delta Place to "celebrate the Grizzlies' commitment." Plans include "refreshing and adding permanent signage to the court." The Grizzlies also will be represented within the hospital on a wall "reserved to honor corporate partners that support the hospital" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 7/7).
