July 22, 2008

Chapel Hill - The University of North Carolina men's basketball team donated a total of $110,000 to eight different local charitable organizations from funds raised through the sale of autographed basketballs and the team's annual holiday clinic.

Over the last five years since Roy Williams became UNC's head coach, the Tar Heels have contributed more than $400,000 to local groups.

This year, the money was split among the following groups: the pediatric hematology/oncology trust fund at UNC Hospitals, the Carolina Covenant, the Ronald McDonald House, the InterFaith Council, the Special Olympics of North Carolina, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Orange County, the Chapel Hill/Carrboro School Foundation and the State Employees Credit Union Family House at UNC Hospitals.

"It's extremely rewarding to be able to give back to the university and local communities, but we couldn't do that without the help of our fans who purchase the basketballs and attend the skills clinic," says assistant coach C.B. McGrath, who coordinates the programs. "An autograph ball brings a smile to the face of the person who receives it, but it also offers an opportunity to provide tangible resources to others who need them in these difficult economic times."

In addition to the autographed ball program and the clinic, which is held around New Year's Day each year, the men's basketball players also shopped for Christmas presents for underprivileged children and held a clinic for North Carolina Special Olympics.