Quinn Buckner completed one of the rare feats in athletics. He is one of only three men to have a high school, college, and NBA championship … plus, an Olympic gold medal.
Buckner, who is entering his 18th season as the analyst on FOX Sports Indiana telecasts of Pacers basketball, was the honoree at the 15th annual Masquerade held on Friday night. He was recognized for his enormous contributions to charities and youth-serving organizations throughout Indiana.
Buckner was inducted into the National College Basketball Hall of Fame last November, and over the summer he was appointed to the Indiana University Board of Trustees.
[PODCAST: With Quinn Buckner, ahead of his Hall of Fame induction]
Last year’s honoree was Pacers Sports & Entertainment Vice Chairman Jim Morris.
At the Indiana Roof Ballroom, more than $650,000 was raised for the Simon Youth Foundation and Pacers Foundation, according to a team spokesman. In the event’s first 14 years, more than $10 million has been donated in support of education and mentoring programs for at-risk youth.
Pacers players always seem to enjoy the event. It’s an elegant affair, where style is important, and a night on their final weekend off before that season that they get to spend with their significant other.
Tonight, the whole team is in attendance at #Pacers Foundation & @simon_youth fundraiser The Masquerade, honoring Quinn Buckner. pic.twitter.com/lmHCpD9iIf
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 22, 2016
About Simon Youth Foundation:
Simon Youth Foundation, a national nonprofit, exists to help at-risk students who are on the verge of dropping out of high school stay in school. Through 29 Simon Youth Academies in 12 states and Simon Youth Scholarships, SYF advocates, creates and initiates educational opportunities for students so they can start here and go anywhere. In partnership with local public schools, SYF has maintained a 90% graduation rate at its Academies since inception, graduated more than 13,000 students, and awarded more than $15 million in scholarships. Learn more at syf.org.
About Pacers Foundation:
Pacers Foundation encourages Indiana’s youth to make winning life choices through contributions and community partnerships. Since its inception in 1994, the Pacers Foundation has provided more than $7 million to youth-serving Indiana agencies and has enabled thousands of youth to attend Pacers and Indiana Fever games through ticket donations. For more information, visit www.pacersfoundation.org.