Fans Can Donate to OneOrlando Fund at Pride Tipoff Night or Through Online Auction
SEATTLE – In light of the horrific tragedy at Pulse in Orlando on June 12, the Seattle Storm is creating ways for fans to support the victims, their families and the LGBTQ community at its Pride Tipoff Night this Friday, June 24, at KeyArena. As Seattle takes on Connecticut at 7 p.m., the Storm will be honoring the 49 lives lost and inviting fans to join the team’s effort to raise money for the OneOrlando Fund.
“Our hearts are with all those impacted by the tragedy in Orlando,” said Alisha Valavanis, President & GM. “Typically, Pride Night is a time to celebrate our cherished LGBTQ community, but on this night, we not only celebrate the LGBTQ community and allies, we also stand arm in arm in solidarity with them.”
At Friday’s game at KeyArena, fans will be able to purchase #OrlandoUnited t-shirts, with all proceeds going to the OneOrlando Fund. The first 500 people to donate will receive their t-shirt in person, and remaining orders can be placed at the game or placed online at StormBasketball.com. The Storm is also hosting an online silent auction from June 23-30, in which fans can bid on an assortment of items, including Pride shirts autographed by the players and the game-worn shoes of Breanna Stewart that feature the names of all 49 victims. More details concerning the online silent auction will be available at StormBasketball.com.
Formed by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, the OneOrlando Fund is set up to provide support to the victims of the tragedy, their families and the community of Orlando. By visiting OneOrlando.org, one can make a donation and learn more about the fund.
“We want to do everything we can to let all those affected by this tragedy know they are not alone,” Valavanis continued. “We stand with Orlando.”
As is the case at every Thursday and Friday home game, the Storm will be hosting happy hour with $3 beers starting at 5:30 p.m. on June 24 at KeyArena. At the happy hour, large banners will be available for fans to write messages to the victims’ families and the city of Orlando. The Storm is teaming with the NBA’s Orlando Magic to deliver the banners to their city. In addition, Seattle’s DJ Ricki Leigh is leading a dance party at halftime as a means of coming together to support the LGBTQ community.
Fans are also invited to walk alongside the Storm in Sunday’s Seattle Pride Parade. As the city of Orlando and the LGBTQ community continue to recover from the devastating tragedy earlier this month, the Storm aims to provide as much support as possible to those who are affected.