NEW ROCHELLE, NY — North 6th Agency, Inc. (N6A), an award-winning communications agency based in the heart of SoHo in New York City, announced today the second season of its “Root to Shoot” charity fundraising promotion in partnership with Iona College Athletics and the men’s basketball program for the 2015-16 season.
Even more dollars will be at stake during this season’s “Root to Shoot” program. N6A has pledged to donate $100 for every three-point basket made by the Iona at the Hynes Athletics Center and $1,500 for every 100-plus point home game.
Donations will be distributed evenly at the end of the season between Al’s Angels, BlueRock Energy’s “Save the Skin”, and the Iona College Goal Club.
Under head coach Tim Cluess, the Gaels have regularly finished among the highest-scoring teams in the nation. Last season, Iona’s high-octane offense ranked second nationally in three-point field goals made with 338 and in the top 10 in points per game on its way to back-to-back MAAC regular season championship crowns.
Participation is welcome to any Iona College alum, college basketball fan or business in the Tri-State area who wants to support the “Root to Shoot” initiative. Informational kiosks, video board signage, and online portals will be live throughout the season for those who want to learn more about “Root to Shoot”, the partner foundations, and to sign-up with pledges of their own.
“We’re looking forward to another exciting year of Gaels basketball with lots of scoring that will translate into much needed dollars for some of the Tri-State area’s most important charity organizations in Al’s Angels and ‘Save the Skin’,” said Matt Rizzetta, N6A President and CEO, and Iona College Alumni Board Member. “We’re hoping other Iona alums, college basketball fans and businesses with a connection to the communities that these organizations serve – specifically childhood cancer and skin cancer awareness – will get behind us and pledge their support, as well.”
“’Root to Shoot’ became the most recognized promotion during our home games last season. Behind the great three-point shooting of the Gaels and the incredible support of N6A, a great tradition has been born,” said Iona College Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. “We value and admire the leadership of N6A as they not only continue their leadership and philanthropy of Iona athletics but have increased support for the Gaels, Al’s Angels and ‘Save the Skin’ foundation. We are thrilled to move onward and upward with N6A and hope that the Gael Nation will join us in the 2015-16 ‘Root to Shoot’ campaign.”
The Iona College Goal Club is an association of dedicated friends and alumni who support the college’s 21 NCAA Division I teams, club sports and general athletics programs. Donations to the Goal Club provide the needed equipment, facility upgrades, team transportation and academic support services for Iona College’s student-athletes.
Al’s Angels was founded in 2004 by digital marketing pioneer Al DiGuido with the mission of providing financial and emotional support to children suffering from severe challenges resulting from cancer and rare blood diseases. With more than 3,000 Angels working to provide support and aid to tens of thousands of children and families in desperate need, Al’s Angels works with a network of partners, including Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund, St. Barnabas, Union Community Health Center, CLASP, Mercy Learning Center, Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital, Columbia Presbyterian, North Shore Long Island Jewish Hospital, Stony Brook & Good Samaritan Hospital.
BlueRock Energy’s “Save the Skin” foundation was founded in 2014 by Phil Van Horne, President and CEO of N6A client BlueRock Energy, the premier provider of electricity, natural gas and green energy products to businesses and residents in New York State, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Van Horne started the campaign in 2014 to raise awareness for skin cancer and to support the Melanoma Research Foundation after he was diagnosed with the disease and endured months of treatment.