LSU Gymnastics Hosts the Inaugural Etta James Memorial Meet

The LSU Gymnastics team will be teaming up with Foundation56 to promote breast cancer awareness on February 22, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center as they take on No. 4 Alabama as announced by a press release from LSU Sports.

Foundation56 is a local organization formed by former LSU football player and current Dallas Cowboys, Bradie James. James has a personal experience with this issue as stated on the Foundation56 website: "Losing my mother to breast cancer in February 2002 connects me to this issue and knowing that the women, men and families will be touched by Soul Survivors gives me the personal satisfaction knowing that I am truly making a difference. I want to serve as a voice to encourage men - husbands, fathers, brothers and other men to send a message to women... a message of hope, of strength and a message of life, a message that breast cancer doesn't just affect women, it affects the entire family."

The organization provides screenings for women in the Baton Rouge area for early detection of breast cancer. The event is to raise money for the organization and also to raise awareness of breast cancer and the need for early detection.

The LSU Gymnastics team is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation after an SEC win against Auburn and West Virginia last week. The fans will not only be treated to top 10 SEC action at The Inaugural Etta James Memorial Meet, but be able to participate in fund raising efforts for this cause. Special ticket prices of $1.00 each will be offered for this event with a challenge from the Head LSU Gymnastics Coach for a total of 7,500 tickets to be sold.

Incentives will also be offered at the meet for all participants giving donations starting at just $1.00. For a $1.00 donation fans will receive a pink ribbon pin, a $5.00 donation will receive a pink Foundation56 bracelet, $10.00 donation merits a pink Foundation56 t-shirt and a $20.00 donation will get you a pink or purple feather boa.

A silent auction will also be held in the corridors of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center with all proceeds going to Foundation56.