Phoenix Mercury guards Temeka Johnson and Ketia Swanier to host charity gala
Temeka Johnson and Ketia Swanier, guards for the reigning WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury, begin their 2010 season with a fundraising gala to benefit their respective foundations.
The first annual Straight to the Point Gala takes place at the Clarendon Hotel Rooftop in Phoenix on Thursday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. Phoenix Mercury players, members of the Arizona Cardinals and other surprise guests are set to attend. Activities will include giveaways, dedications and a special silent auction of signed memorabilia.
Both Johnson and Swanier are long-time community service volunteers and head non-profit organizations that cater to the needs of children.
Johnson founded Heaven Opens People’s Eyes (H.O.P.E.), an organization which runs several programs providing educational assistance to students in her home state of Louisiana. H.O.P.E. initiatives include a scholarship, an adopt-a-school program and other outreach activities.
Swanier, the daughter of military veterans, heads Ketia4Kidz Foundation. The non-profit provides academic, arts, and sports-related programming for the children of active duty and severely injured military personnel.
Tickets are available for $100 (tax-deductible) at www.FuzionCares.org.
- Heaven Opens People’s Eyes (H.O.P.E.), www.MeeksHOPE.org
- Ketia4Kidz Foundation, www.Ketia4Kidz.org
The Mercury open their season Saturday, May 15 at home against the Los Angeles Sparks.
