Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s 32nd Annual Award of Excellence on March 3 will honor Johnson for his efforts to raise cancer awareness
Milwaukee, WI – On March 3, 2023, NBA Announcer Ernie Johnson, Jr. will return to his hometown of Milwaukee to accept the Award of Excellence from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.
The foundation will honor Johnson at its 32nd Award of Excellence event on March 3 at Fiserv Forum. In its more than 30-year history, this is the first time the event will be held at the Forum. The event in 2022 was at the Pfister Hotel and honored NFL Broadcaster Erin Andrews.
“Fiserv Forum offers the perfect stage to honor Ernie,” said Peggy Williams, the event’s committee co-chair and Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation board member. “Guests will enjoy dinner on the arena floor, cocktails in the Jockey Club and a VIP reception with Ernie in the BMO Club all for a good cause.”
Tickets to the event are available at www.lombardifoundation.org/
The foundation is also running a special offer throughout the month of December—if you purchase two or more tickets by Dec. 31, you will receive a copy of Johnson’s book, “Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary” (while supplies last). The books will be shipped out in February so guests can read up on Johnson before the event.
An individual ticket is $300, a table of 10 is $3,000 and a VIP ticket which includes a meet and greet with Johnson in the BMO club is $600. All tickets include dinner on the arena floor, a Q&A with Johnson, an open bar during the reception in the Jockey Club and complimentary parking.
About the Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence & Ernie Johnson, Jr.
The Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who capture legendary Coach Lombardi’s spirit of commitment and excellence. Honorees have the same desire as the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation to prevent cancer, care for those battling it and find a cure.
Johnson was selected for his efforts in raising awareness for cancer and spreading good into the world. Johnson was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2003 and shared the news with the public in 2006. His openness around the subject of cancer has impacted millions of people.
Johnson grew up in Milwaukee in the Enderis Park neighborhood and now announces for the NBA. He is a well-known sports personality and a multi-sports Emmy award winner. He is most known for his role on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” NBA TV’s “Fan Night,” and NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship coverage. Johnson has touched and inspired many with his vulnerability in talking about some of his most impactful and hardest challenges in life, including losing his father; adoption of four children, including one with special needs; and being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
“It’s an honor to be selected for this award,” said Johnson. “Everyone goes through hard things, and I am glad my story can help others overcome their own challenges.”
Johnson will be joining an impressive list of 31 previous honorees, including Bart Starr, Hank Aaron, Russell Wilson and John Wooden. Read about all past winners in the Award of Excellence Hall of Fame.
About the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation
The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation was established in 1971 and has raised over $22 million in memory of five-time NFL Championship Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi. Coach Lombardi’s spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence touched countless lives. On September 3, 1970, he lost a battle to colon cancer, dying at only 57. In his honor, the foundation is dedicated to preventing cancer, caring for those who are battling it and finding a cure. Its national Medical Advisory Board reviews grants to ensure that the foundation is funding the most innovative and cutting-edge research and care. For more information on the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, visit lombardifoundation.org and follow the foundation on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Find more press releases HERE.