Dec. 13, 2007

PITTSBURGH - Coach Suzie McConnell-Serio and the Duquesne women's basketball team have joined forces with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, First Commonwealth and the University of Pittsburgh's women's basketball team to help fight hunger this holiday season with the annual Hometown vs. Hunger program.

The Dukes and Panthers face each other Sat. Dec. 22 at the Petersen Events Center and fans attending the game can bring food donations and gain entry for only $1. There will be an official weigh-in of all food items during halftime.

Donations can also be made at any of the 100 drop-box locations. Community members are invited to bring non-perishable food items to any First Commonwealth location and can receive a voucher to the Duquesne/Pitt women's game for only $1. Duquesne students can drop off their donations at the dorms and A.J. Palumbo Center.

"Hunger affects a significant number of people in our communities. Last year, the Food Bank distributed 19.7 million pounds of food to those in need. In Allegheny County alone, 17.4% of children 18 and under live in poverty, which is higher than the state average," said Joyce Rothermel, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. "We're grateful to have a partner like First Commonwealth, with the help of Pitt and Duquesne, organize an event like Hometown versus Hunger. This event rallies around the dire need to fill our local food banks during the winter months and surrounding the holiday season."

In conjunction with this community event, First Commonwealth will host twenty local girls from area Boys and Girls Clubs to take part in the second annual First Team Girls Rock event that promotes the participation of young women in sports. Local youth organizations will also be in attendance and will be recognized for their community achievements throughout the year.

"Duquesne and Pitt may be rivals on the court, but off the court it's important to come together and fight a cause that hits so close to home," said McConnell-Serio. "We challenge all of our loyal fans to make a donation and show support for your team and community."

Fans can also donate non-perishable food items at the next Duquesne women's home game this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. against IPFW.