Staff Writer

Feb. 1, 2001 10 PM

Saturday night, Troy State University basketball fans will have the opportunity to win prizes and help local agencies.

Regions Bank, the Pike County United Way and TSU are sponsoring the fund raiser.

Prior to the game, fans will have the opportunity to purchase numbered balls they will toss from the stands onto the hardwood. Balls will cost $1 and will be sold beginning at 5:30 p.m., said Jane Thrash, secretary of the United Way.

The lucky person who hits the miniature goal will win $250 from Regions Bank, said Taron Thorpe, who works for the bank and serves on the United Way board.

He said there will be plenty of other winners who will receive things, such as soft drinks, t-shirts and sweatshirts.

Most importantly, Thorpe added, was the money will assist 14 agencies under the United Way umbrella.

Agencies which receive funding from the United Way include: Alabama Easter Seals, American Red Cross, Boy Scouts, East Central Mental Health-Mental Retardation, Girl Scouts, Pike County 4-H clubs, RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), The House of Ruth, Pike County Christmas Program, Troy Charity League, Salvation Army, Pike County YMCA, Colley Senior Complex and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pike County.

"All of this will be used to fund the United Way 2001 Campaign," Thrash said.

As of Wednesday, the 2001 campaign has garnered $48,183.54 in pledges and actually received $19,358.23, Thrash said.

"That puts us $84,249.26 short of our goal."

Because the campaign is short of its goal, Thorpe and Thrash are both encouraging TSU fans to come out Saturday night and support the Trojans and the United Way.

Anyone wishing to donate to the United Way can mail checks or money orders to P.O. Box 204, Troy, Alabama 36081.

Thrash said the United Way is planning another basketball throw on Feb. 24, and, in the meantime, citizens can hear representatives of the United Way agencies on WTBF radio each morning.