Fundraiser features celebrity comedy basketball, a postgame concert, and a night of family fun at the Basketball Hall of Fame

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism will kick off its 1st Annual Celebrity Rock ‘N Hoops fundraiser on Friday, April 16, from 7pm to 11pm at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, a charity that Doug and his wife, Laurie established in honor of their son Doug, Jr., who was diagnosed with autism at age three.

During the 1st Annual Celebrity Rock ‘N Hoops, Doug Flutie and local celebrities will take on the Court Jesters Comedy Basketball Group in a head-to-head match of basketball fun and excitement. Flutie will be joined by fellow Boston College Eagles Senator Scott Brown (BC Law ’84) and his daughter Ayla Brown (BC ’10), who will be playing in support of the Foundation. Ayla Brown will not only demonstrate her skills as a power-forward but also as an American Idol Season 5 semi-finalist while performing the national anthem for the event. Ayla’s new album will be available for purchase at the event and a percentage of proceeds will benefit the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.

Other featured celebrities include Derek Kellogg, former University of Massachusetts (UMASS) basketball standout and current UMASS Men’s Basketball Coach; Dana Barros, Boston College Alumnus and former Boston Celtics player; and members of the Elms College men’s basketball team. After the game, attendees will enjoy a concert by The Flutie Brothers Band, featuring classic rock favorites and Doug Flutie on drums — all of which takes place with the birthplace of basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, as the backdrop.

“The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism strives to put the ‘fun’ in fundraising events by creating exciting and interactive opportunities for our supporters,” said Flutie. “Participants in our Celebrity Rock N’ Hoops will enjoy a one-of-a-kind basketball experience, while helping the Flutie Foundation continue to assist families who care for children with autism.”

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is home to nearly three hundred inductees and more than 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Hundreds of interactive exhibits share the spotlight with skills challenges, live clinics, and shooting contests. And of course there is enough basketball history to impress the world’s most avid sports fans!

Tickets for Doug Flutie’s Rock ‘N Hoops are $50 and include general admission to the celebrity basketball game with the Court Jesters Comedy Basketball Group and the Flutie Brothers Band postgame concert, as well as entrance to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

For tickets, sponsorship or more information, please contact Kerri Blume at the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism at 1-866-3AUTISM, or kerri@flutiefoundation.org.