April 3, 2008
At Wednesday's annual Blue Chip reception, as Explorer Club members discussed the upcoming spring fund drive, many of them took turns shaking hands and sharing thoughts with Philadelphia Daily News sportswriter Bob Cooney. Cooney served as the guest speaker for this year's event.
"Bob has been an avid supporter of La Salle basketball and understands the need for fan and donor support - a topic that really hits home for us as we kick off our fund drive," said Associate Athletic Director and Executive Director of the Explorer Club, Peter D'Orazio.
The annual Blue Chip reception serves as a `thank you' to the members of the Explorer Club who donate at the Varsity Level ($1,000 and above). The Explorer Club is the official fund development and booster organization for La Salle's athletic programs. Its members assist the Athletic Department in meeting their financial goals.
The reception also marks the beginning of the annual spring fund drive, during which the volunteer members of the Explorer Club Board of Directors solicit pledges for the following year. Funds raised will help support the over 500 student-athletes that participate on La Salle's various athletic teams.
As the La Salle basketball beat writer for the Daily News for the past six years, Cooney has covered numerous events including the Explorers' most recent run in the Atlantic 10 Tournament and senior Darnell Harris' appearance in the NCAA Final Four three-point shooting contest. He has been at the Daily News for 19 years. He recently returned from Houston where he was covering the NCAA basketball south regional and is about to depart to San Antonio to cover the Final Four.
Aside from his work with the Daily News, Bob dedicates his time to raising awareness and funds for autism. He currently serves on the board for the Gloucester County Special Services Education Fund, which deals primarily with children suffering from Autism. This work is especially meaningful to Cooney, whose 11-year old son, Tommy, is autistic. Cooney is in the midst of planning the second annual golf outing for autism which is scheduled to be held next month.
