By Cord Rankin
Mon, July 22, 2024
Game Will Be Played On Sunday, Oct. 20
DAYTON – CareSource and the University of Dayton will host an exhibition game between the Dayton Flyers and the Xavier Musketeers men’s basketball teams. The game will cap off the second year of community engagement events championing adolescent and young adult mental health and suicide prevention.
The NCAA waiver-approved charity game will be played on Sunday, October 20 at UD Arena. Game time will be announced at a later date. All net proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Jay’s Light, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and other charities within the Dayton and Cincinnati footprint.
Events and programming leading up to the game will be announced in the fall.
“Mental health is as important to our wellbeing as physical health, and public discussions about it helps to lessen the stigmas that can keep us from seeking the mental health care we need,” said Scott Markovich, executive vice president, markets and products at CareSource. “This is a core part of CareSource’s mission, and it’s an honor to partner with Coach Grant, Coach Miller and others who share a passion for this work. We’re excited for the game and continuously grateful to have the privilege to support our communities’ health and wellbeing.”
Dayton Coach Anthony Grant and his wife Chris strive to “bring purpose to the pain” from their family’s tragedy by helping mothers, fathers, teens, and young adults find the resources to help. Their daughter Jay died in 2022 at the age of 20 as a result of mental illness.
“Every day we are moved and inspired by generosity and support from others. At the top of that list is CareSource. CareSource has been our lead partner from day one and joined our cause on supporting mental health in immeasurable ways. Their impact on our community has been extraordinary. I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to Sean Miller and Xavier for their sincere interest in this event,” Grant said. “For longtime rivals to join forces on this game as an effort to help raise awareness, generate conversation, and increase access to mental health services in Ohio and beyond, speaks volumes to the importance of this issue.”
Xavier will make its first appearance at UD Arena since March of 2014, when the Musketeers played in the First Four.
“Raising awareness and increasing access to mental health services needs to be a priority nationwide,” Xavier coach Sean Miller said. “We are excited to partner with the University of Dayton and CareSource on this initiative to shed light on this issue that impacts lives in Southwest Ohio and across our entire country.”
Charity exhibition game tickets will be offered as part of the Dayton season ticket package, with single game tickets announced on sale as available. Dayton season ticket holders will have the option to sell their tickets through Ticket Exchange or return them to the UD Ticket office for a credit on their account, so other fans can purchase.
Jay’s Light, a foundation that honors Jayda Grant and will be used to champion adolescent and young adult mental health and suicide prevention. The fund will support local community organizations and initiatives that align with the mission of supporting adolescent and young adult mental health.
Click here to learn more about and support the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.
COURTESY DAYTON MEDIA RELATIONS
