CINCINNATI -- At the first annual Lauren Hill Tipoff Classic on Nov. 14, 5,000 guests will win Lauren Hill bobbleheads, Mount St. Joseph University and Xavier University announced Tuesday.
The bobblehead was made to depict Hill scoring her first collegiate points in a layup against Hiram College. Hill played in the game despite being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The game was sold out at the Cintas Center
"Lauren would just truly love and be tickled with the bobblehead" said Lisa Hill, the mother of Lauren Hill. "It's just a fun, zany, little memento that they can keep around and remember Lauren and what she stood for."
The basketball expo, taking place at the Cintas Center, will feature two basketball games -- Xavier versus Evansville at 1 p.m. followed by Mount St. Joseph against Hiram College -- and ticket sales will benefit The Cure Starts Now. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online through Xavier or Ticketmaster.
"It's not easy going back to the Cintas Center," Lisa Hill said. "The last time we were actually there on the floor was for her memorial service. So there's a lot of memories there.
"I'm not sure what to expect, I'll be honest," she said. "I'm worried I'll be emotional about it. I typically muscle up the strength to get out there and keep doing what she would want us to do, but I'm not going to say that I won't cry. Because I probably will."
Event sponsors will also hold a 22-hour telethon prior to tipoff of first game. Honoring Hill's basketball number, 22, the goal of the telethon is to raise $2.2 million in new cancer research funding. Donations can be made online at Layup4Lauren.com or by calling 513-772-4888.
"That's what inspires me. It gives me strength," Lisa Hill said of cancer fundraising and Layup4Lauren. "That drives me to get out of bed -- to know that I'm helping other families in the future."
