Sept. 30: Jawbones vs. Sawbones Basketball

Posted 9.21.12

Story by LEAH SHAPIRO | Photos by WCMS

On Sunday, September 30, witness some experienced professionals hitting the court. The players are not pro athletes, but rather physicians and attorneys in our community. At the fourth annual Sawbones vs. Jawbones Basketball Game, these licensed experts in medicine and law will help the Western Carolina Medical Society (WCMS) raise money for worthwhile causes.

All proceeds benefit programs at the Western Carolina Medical Society Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization with a strong commitment to improving the quality and access for people to health care in our community. Some programs benefitting from this fundraiser are Project Access (free health care for critically ill low-income, uninsured residents of Buncombe County) and the WNC Interpreter Network (professional medical interpreters who help doctors communicate with their deaf and limited English speaking patients).

“Local physicians and attorneys sport their basketball skills for a great cause,” explains Stan Pamfilis, sports director of News 13 WLOS, in a local advertisement for the event. Last year’s event took place at UNC-A’s Justice Center, and this year it will be held at Carolina Day School.

Tip-off is at 6:00 p.m., but fans can arrive at 4:00 p.m. to partake in a special VIP section and kids’ area. Advance tickets must be purchased for this tailgating pre-event. Kids’ tickets are $5; VIP tickets are $25 per person and $40 per couple. A silent auction will begin at this time and continue through the game. In the kids’ zone, children can play in bounce house and have their faces painted, among other activities. Concessions will also be available during the game.

“Through healthy inter-profession competition, we hope to foster a sense of community and a unified effort to touch the lives of folks who need some help,” explains David Hart of Paragon Financial who is chairman of the event.

“Our WCMS Sawbones physician team will be playing their hearts out on the basketball court not only to have fun and rightfully win back their trophy from the Jawbones, but more important because they support the charitable programs of the WCMS that serve to improve access to health care for those in need," explains Miriam Schwarz, CEO and executive director of WCMS. "That’s why I love this event. The real winners in this game are the patients physicians serve through Project Access and the WNC Interpreter Network.”
Instead of a judge, there's a referee on this court and, with 11 doctors and 13 attorneys supporting a great cause, it's a win:win.

General admission tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased online or at the door. Carolina Day School is located at 1345 Hendersonville Road. For more information on the Western Carolina Medical Society, visit online at mywcms.org/svj2012.