Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner today challenged County Executive Rich Fitzgerald to a basketball shoot-out during this year’s annual Kane Foundation Free Throw Contest. The event, which takes place on Monday, will feature County officials and employees shooting hoops for charity, the same day as the March Madness championship game. Wagner proposes that the loser of the shoot-out doubles their donation to the cause.
 
“Kane hospitals are a great asset to our community, ensuring that our County’s residents have reliable resources and skillful medical professionals to help care for their loved ones in a friendly, family-oriented environment,” Wagner said.
 
Wagner’s staff reached out to Fitzgerald’s staff this morning requesting that he and she shoot free throws concurrently on Monday and that the person who makes fewer shots doubles his or her contribution to the Kane Foundation. Both officials have participated in the event in the past, but have shot at different times. The contest occurs in the Allegheny County Courthouse Courtyard from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wagner has made herself available any time Fitzgerald would like to shoot.
 
“It’s a great fundraiser every year, but this is an opportunity to increase the amount of funds that we can raise for these critical community facilities,” Wagner said.
 
Each year, the County raises funds for the four Kane Regional Health Centers, which offer skilled nursing, long-term care and rehabilitation to the chronically ill and elderly who have limited financial resources. Wagner’s office participates each year, with employees donating a chosen amount per number of free throws made by the Controller. To date, her office has raised $902.