(Photo: UNCW)
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — College basketball season is still a ways down the road, but the UNCW women will soon host an event to honor one of their own.
The first ever Dee Dee Toon Rivers Basketball Luncheon will be held October 7 at the Wilmington Convention Center, running from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Toon Rivers played for the Seahawks in the late 90’s, but passed away earlier this year.
Head Coach Nicole Woods says the goal is to raise $50,000 for the program’s support fund. The event is free, but guests are asked to contact the university in advance if they plan to attend.
Click here to learn more on how to book a reservation.
(Photo: UNCW)
Woods is entering just her second year at the helm, but is aware just how much Toon Rivers meant to the community.
“Dee Dee was loved by everybody,” Woods said. “I don’t think I realized just how much she was loved until she was gone. She was a two sport athlete here at UNCW with women’s basketball as well as track and field. We just wanted to be able to honor her in that way to be able to name this event after her.”
The luncheon’s guest speaker will be Toon Rivers’ daughter, Ashley graduate and WNBA player Saniya Rivers.
The younger Rivers was drafted by the Connecticut Sun in April with her mother in attendance.