Fourth annual Docs for Morgan event to bring friendly rivalry to center court
ROANOKE, Va. — A friendly, but intense basketball challenge will pit two special teams against each other in Roanoke next month. Students at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine will face off against a team of Carilion Clinic residents, attending physicians, and Jefferson College of Health Sciences students to raise money to benefit the school’s Morgan Dana Harrington Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Docs for Morgan will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at Patrick Henry High School, located at 2102 Grandin Road, SW, in Roanoke. Admission is free. Donations will be accepted at the door.
The fourth annual event honors the memory of Morgan Harrington, who worked at the school as a summer intern before returning to Virginia Tech for her junior year of study. She is remembered for her kind heart, exuberant laugh, and can-do spirit.
“We’re extremely grateful for all the individuals and organizations that have come forward to donate their time and talent to make Docs for Morgan a success,” said Tracey Criss, a psychiatrist and the school’s assistant dean for clinical science for years three and four. “This includes those who have donated some great items for the silent auction.”
Some of the items in this year’s silent auction include flying lessons, original artwork, and autographed sports items, including a Frank Beamer–autographed football. The silent auction items are being featured on the Docs for Morgan Facebook page.
“People can watch the organizing of the event unfold through Facebook,” said Lynne Pearo, special events and community liaison for the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. “They may also get a sneak peek at some of the items they might want to bid on the night of the game.”
During the game, a raffle will be held for the chance to take a half-court shot during halftime to win $10,000 courtesy of Friendship Retirement Community. The Patrick Henry High School pep band and cheerleaders from Cave Spring and Lord Botetourt High Schools will be on hand to add to the evening’s excitement.
Student members from local and regional high school and college chapters of Help Save the Next Girl will also be in attendance. Help Save the Next Girl is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to personal safety and awareness. It was established after Harrington was abducted and murdered while attending a rock concert in 2009.
In addition to overseeing the planning of the annual basketball challenge, Criss participates as a player.
“The game can get pretty intense at times,” she said. “But it’s all for a good cause to honor Morgan. This will be an evening where the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Carilion Clinic, and the community can all come together and show that good can overcome evil.”
For further information or assistance, email Lynne Pearo or call her at 540-526-2300.
Written by Catherine Doss.
