A former Illinois Wesleyan basketball standout will soon be going from the NBA Finals to Bloomington for a charity fundraiser.
Soon-to-be Basketball Hall of Famer Jack Sikma will serve as keynote speaker for the Bloomington-Normal YMCA's 5th annual legacy dinner on Thursday, June 20, at the Bloomington Country Club.
A St. Anne native, Sikma played 13 seasons in the NBA where he made seven all-star teams with the Seattle Supersonics and Milwaukee Bucks. He won an NBA championship with Seattle in 1979.
Sikma was known for his trademark step back jump shot and curly, blond hair.
He and is now coaching and consulting for the Toronto Raptors, who are playing in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Sikma will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., on Sept. 6.
“We’re delighted to welcome Mr. Sikma back to Bloomington and are looking forward to hearing how the game of basketball impacted his life”, said B.J. Wilken CEO of the YMCA.
The YMCA will also present its legacy award to Sister Judith Ann Duvall, chairperson for OSF Healthcare and the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis for their ministry of health in McLean County.
The event is a fundraiser for the YMCA's Strong Kids program. It covers the costs of membership and programs for children from low-income families.
Ticket information is available here.
WGLT depends on financial support from users to bring you stories and interviews like this one. As someone who values experienced, knowledgeable, and award-winning journalists covering meaningful stories in Central Illinois, please consider making a contribution.
