October 18, 2023 – As part of a philanthropic partnership between Baptist Health Foundation and the Miami HEAT, the team held its Red, White & Pink game on October 9 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The game, part of the partnership’s Bounce Back from CancerTM initiative, raised more than $30,000 to benefit research and clinical trials at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute.
The game was an open scrimmage that included the Miami HEAT’s current 2023-24 roster and was attended by breast cancer survivors, their families and friends, physicians and staff from Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, board and council members, corporate sponsors, top fundraisers and other members of the community. The program honored several breast cancer survivors and their physicians, and featured remarks by Joe Natoli, EVP and chief administrative officer of Baptist Health; Manmeet Ahluwalia, M.D., MBA, FASCO, chief of medical oncology, chief scientific officer, deputy director and Fernandez Family Endowed Chair in Cancer Research at Miami Cancer Institute; Richard A. Berkowitz, chair of Bounce Back from Cancer and founding and executive chairman of Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs; and Udonis Haslem, former team captain of The Miami HEAT.
“The Red, White and Pink Game is such a moving event,” said Joe Natoli. “These breast cancer survivors inspire us with their strength and resolve, and we owe it to them to do all we can to help advance cancer research.”
John Vidalin, EVP and chief commercial officer of the Miami HEAT, added, “We’re so proud to not only showcase our amazing roster as we begin our new season, but also help raise much-needed funds for Miami Cancer Institute. Both the Institute and Baptist Health Foundation have been terrific partners as we work to make an impact in the fight against cancer.”
The Miami HEAT Red, White & Pink Game is part of Baptist Health Foundation’s Bounce Back from CancerTM, a grassroots initiative to raise vital funds for research at Miami Cancer Institute. Over the past five years, Bounce Back from Cancer has raised $6.5 million to help realize the Institute’s vision of a world without cancer. The event brings the community together for a fun, family-friendly 14.2- or 2-mile basketball dribble / walk. Donors pledge in support of individual or team participants, and corporations throughout South Florida provide philanthropic sponsorships. The next Bounce Back from Cancer will take place Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Richard A. Berkowitz said, “This game marks the official tip-off of Bounce Back from Cancer. We’re looking to set a new fundraising record in 2024, with every dollar raised supporting the research work that will help save lives in our community.”
For more information about Bounce Back from Cancer, visit BounceBackfromCancer.net
About Baptist Health Foundation
The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
About The HEAT Group
The HEAT Group is comprised of the National Basketball Association’s Miami HEAT and the 19,600-seat Kaseya Center. The HEAT is a three-time NBA Champion having won titles in 2006, 2012 and 2013 and is a celebrated leader in every discipline of the business of basketball. Kaseya Center, home of the HEAT, is a LEED Gold Recertified, award-winning, state-of-the-art facility, which hosts more than 100 events per year. Kaseya Center has maintained its position as the #1 Arena in Florida for the eighth consecutive year—and the 11th time during the past 12 years—according to 2022 year-end rankings of the world’s top arenas conducted by both Pollstar and Billboard. The Arena is also #1 for Latin entertainment. The Arena ranks #8 in the world for Billboard and 9th worldwide for Pollstar. The Arena is located on the waterfront in the thriving arts and entertainment district in downtown Miami. For more information, please visit HEAT.com and KaseyaCenter.com
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