For Hometown News
ST. LUCIE COUNTY -
Billy Donovan, University of Florida head basketball coach, will make a rare appearance on the Treasure Coast for a dinner event to be held 5 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Indian River State College, Treasure Coast public safety training complex at 4600 Kirby Loop Road in Fort Pierce.
Hosted by the Treasure Coast Gator Club, tickets for the event are $45 for club members or $55 for nonmembers.
"The board of directors of the Treasure Coast Gator Club recently learned that they were selected as one of two clubs in the state that would have the opportunity to host 'An Evening with Billy Donovan,'" said Richard Giessert, immediate past president.
"In February we were awarded the 2011 Outstanding In-State Club by the alumni association, which alone is an incredible honor," Giessert said.
"Having Coach Donovan choose us to host one of his only Florida appearances is an awesome reward for the hard work and dedication our members have shown in supporting the University of Florida and especially the future of our Gator Nation."
Under Mr. Donovan's leadership, the University of Florida basketball program quickly became established among a short list of elite college programs in the nation.
In 2007, his Gators became just the seventh team in NCAA history and the first in 15 years to win back-to-back titles.
He joined Adolph Rupp as only the second coach in Southeastern Conference history to guide his team to multiple national titles.
In April 2010, he received the Wooden Award's "Legends of Coaching" honor, becoming the youngest person to ever receive the award.
All proceeds from the event will benefit scholarships for local students attending the University of Florida. Seating is limited, so early reservations are strongly suggested.
Tickets can only be purchased online at www.tcgatorclub.com.