Chris Paul to Host Winston-Salem Weekend Sept. 24-27
Paul to host gala to honor the memory of Skip Prosser

June 12, 2009

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Former Wake Forest All-American and current NBA star Chris Paul announced on Thursday plans for his fourth annual Winston-Salem Weekend, which will take place Sept. 24-27.

Hosted by the Twin City Quarter, the weekend-long charity event will raise money for a variety of non-profit programs and organizations in both Paul's hometown of Winston-Salem and New Orleans, where Paul plays for the Hornets.

The event will commence with a taping of the new ESPN show "Homecoming" on September 24. "Homecoming" is a signature new series hosted by award-winning sportswriter Rick Reilly who brings his unique style of storytelling to this one-on-one interview program set on the campus of Wake Forest.

With Paul's hometown of Winston-Salem as the backdrop and shot in a warm setting made up of family, friends, teammates and community, the show will explore how Chris became the remarkable athlete and community leader he is today.

The weekend will also be highlighted by a special Gala on September 26 where the CP3 Foundation will honor the memory of the late Skip Prosser. A portion of the proceeds from the weekend will go to a grant at a non-profit organization in honor of Paul's former Wake Forest basketball coach.

"Like I have mentioned before, the Foundation's annual charity weekend is one of my favorite times of the year," said Paul, the two-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist. "The event continues to grow in awareness each year and the number of organizations, charities and people who get involved and volunteer their time is truly amazing. I am really looking forward to the Gala where we will celebrate the memory of Coach Prosser, a man who meant so much to me."

In addition to the "Homecoming" taping and Gala, the weekend will also include a Day of Service (9/25), Friends & Family Bowling Tournament (9/25), Youth Basketball Clinic (9/26) and a Community Church Service and Social (9/27).

"The Triad continues to rally around Chris and his annual charity weekend has become a staple on both the social and philanthropic calendars of the area," said Tom George, Executive Director of Chris Paul's Winston-Salem Weekend. "On the heels of last year's success, the recognition of the event is at an all-time high which greatly supports our sales efforts. After we take care of our sponsors and partners, there is not much inventory left for us to sell."

The CP3 Foundation serves as the focal point of Paul's philanthropic activities in both Winston-Salem and New Orleans. The money generated from the inaugural event in 2006 was earmarked for the Nathaniel Jones Scholarship Fund which awarded one local Forsyth County student with a scholarship to Wake Forest in honor of Paul's late grandfather and other local charities.

The CP3 Foundation has also sponsored a house for Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, supported student services at Winston-Salem State University including hosting a comedy show, refurbished the basketball courts at the Rupert Bell Recreation Center and supported many other charities including Feed the Children, Meals-on-Wheels and the Special Olympics of North Carolina.

Release courtesy of Octagon.