Hawks and Ressler Gertz Family Foundation Donate $150,000 to Fight Prostate Cancer

Prior to last night’s game between the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic, presented by Emory Healthcare, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, in partnership with the Ressler Gertz Family Foundation, announced a $150,000 donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF). This contribution aims to increase awareness of prostate cancer and support innovative research to advance prevention, detection, and treatment.

Continuing a Commitment to Prostate Cancer Research

This season, the Atlanta Hawks Foundation pledged $75,000 to PCF, a leading organization dedicated to driving breakthroughs in prostate cancer research and fostering a collaborative approach to life-saving advancements. The Ressler Gertz Family Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hawks Principal Owners Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz, matched the donation dollar-for-dollar, bringing the total contribution to $150,000.

Since the collaboration began in 2019, the Hawks and PCF have raised more than $1,077,000 to support prostate cancer awareness and research, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to making a meaningful impact.

“Our collaboration with the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, as we are committed to fighting prostate cancer and advancing research,” said David Lee, Executive Vice President of External Affairs and Executive Director of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation. “We believe partnerships have the power to drive change, and our collaboration has been key to continuing the conversation and promoting awareness of prostate cancer.”

Aiding Local Research at Winship Cancer Institute

Funds from the donation will also support research at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Winship Cancer Institute plays a critical role in pioneering cancer research while providing expert patient care.

“We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of the Atlanta Hawks and the Tony Ressler and Jami Gertz Family Foundation,” said PCF President and CEO Gina Carithers. “Their generosity continues to drive groundbreaking prostate cancer research, accelerating progress toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Together, we are making a lasting impact, raising awareness, advancing innovation, and providing crucial support for those affected by this disease.”

During the pregame check presentation, David Lee, along with Nick Ressler, Vice President of Strategic Planning & Alternate Governor of the Atlanta Hawks and Chairman of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, presented the donation to PCF. They were joined by Dr. Martin Sanda, Director of the Prostate and Urological Cancer Program at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

Raising Awareness for Prostate Cancer Screening

The donation also serves to highlight the importance of early detection, particularly among Black men. According to PCF, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, but African American men face a 76% higher likelihood of developing the disease and are more than twice as likely to die from it. One in six Black men will be diagnosed, making early screening and awareness efforts critical. However, when detected early, prostate cancer has a greater than 99% five-year survival rate.

Since 2019, the Hawks and PCF have actively worked together to combat prostate cancer through awareness campaigns and research funding. Last year, the Hawks and the Ressler Gertz Family Foundation also donated $150,000 to PCF to further these efforts.

For more information about the Hawks’ partnership with PCF and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, as well as additional resources, visit Hawks.com/PCF.