Behind The Bench, The National Basketball Wives Association Announces its 21st Annual Touching a Life Gala on Friday, February 13, 2015 at The Marriott Marquis in Midtown New York

    NEW YORK, NY, February 11, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Touching a Life gala brings an uplifting element to the star-studded and event filled NBA All Star Weekend by honoring several commendable individuals who have an established track record of public service, while recognizing and raising funds for a charitable organization. The 2015 Touching a Life beneficiary is the American Cancer Society, the largest private, not-for-profit funder of cancer research. Together with its millions of supporters, the American Cancer Society (ACS) saves lives by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. ACS is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

"Cancer has touched the lives of every person in this country and the NBA Wives are using this year's Gala to raise funds for the American Cancer Society in support of their research efforts to eradicate this disease," says Behind the Bench president Kristina Ratliff. "Our mantra during the planning for this event has been 'we need to give Cancer a time out'. We are highly motivated to make this year our most successful yet in support of the work the American Cancer Society is doing."

The 2015 Touching a Life honorees are Peggy and KiKi VanDeWeghe (Trailblazer Award), Amber and CC Sabathia (Game Changer Award), and Jackque Markes (Heart of Courage Award). Jackque Markes' son, Kyle, was an avid NBA fan who dreamed of meeting one of the players. Before his wish could be granted, he passed away after battling leukemia and, in his memory; Behind the Bench is honoring his mom - Jackque.

"This gala is a cornerstone to Behind the Bench's philosophy of service and support to others," says Behind the Bench president Kristina Ratliff. "It is an opportunity for the NBA community - players, supporters, fans - to say 'thank you' to those who use their profile and influence to make the world a better place, and to put a spotlight on people like Jackque Markes who are everyday heroes in their homes and communities. I am so proud that the Gala, through its philanthropic focus, allows us to leave a tangible impression on the various cities where NBA All Star takes place.

Additional features of the 2015 Touching a Life Gala include:

- SILENT AUCTION - NBA wives are donating high end designer handbags filled with goodies that represent their personalities.

- NBA Family Fashion Show - Fashion, accessory and sportswear lines of NBA Players and/or their wives will be presented in a fashion show featuring models from the Los Angeles Lakers, The Portland Trailblazers and The Sacramento Kings among others.

The Touching a Life Gala will be held Friday, February 13 at the Marriott Marquis - 1535 Broadway. The event begins at 5 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at www.behindthebench.org. Television personality Roland Martin and radio personality Deja Vu will serve as hosts.

About Behind The Bench, The National Basketball Wives Association

Founded in 1993, Behind the Bench, The National Basketball Wives Association, is a member-based organization comprised of a diverse group of dynamic women whose membership is composed of current and retired NBA players' wives and life partners. Its mission is to positively impact the lives of children and families by focusing on causes in three core areas: Education, Health & Wellness, and Women's Empowerment. To date, Behind the Bench has raised more than $2 million for social programs in the United States. Its marquee fundraiser is the Touching a Life event held every year during NBA All Star weekend. Past Touching a Life honorees have included Hank Aaron, Muhammad Ali, Angela Bassett, Dr. Dorothy Height, Patti Labelle, Tonya Lewis Lee, Penny Marshall, Arnold Schwarzenegger and many others.

More information can be found at www.BehindTheBench.Org.

For Press Inquiries, Interview Requests and General Inquiries regarding Behind the Bench, Please Contact: Lauren James-Rivers 1-888-366-4171 or email [email protected]

**Media Coverage is Invited, Red Carpet Arrivals and Interviews Begin at 4 p.m.

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