Kings to be honored by pancreatic cancer group

The Kings will be honored on Saturday at a gala fundraiser to benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, whose goal is to support patients and advocate for research and a cure.

The Kings will get the Emily Couric Public Service Award, named for the late Virginia state senator and sister of talk show host Katie Couric, in recognition of their longstanding efforts to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Spokeswoman Jennifer Reeves said the Kings have hosted several awareness nights at home games the last few seasons to inform fans about the organization’s work and have produced two public service announcements that reinforced the message.

The event will take place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Tickets cost $350 and are available by calling (310) 725-0025. The Stanley Cup is scheduled to make an appearance.

Reeves also pointed out that the Kings, the NHL and the NHL Players’ Assn. annually participate in the Hockey Fights Cancer initiative, which raises money for groups that fight the disease. Unfortunately, the NHL’s lockout of players, which has wiped out games through Nov. 1, also postponed the Hockey Fights Cancer campaign.

The lockout has postponed many other charitable efforts in which NHL teams are involved, resulting in less exposure and potentially fewer donations for some worthy causes.

Also scheduled to be honored Saturday are the San Diego Padres and the Padres foundation, as well as longtime NBA referee Greg Willard, who was diagnosed with cancer in June. Willard will receive the Spirit of Hope award.

-Helene Elliott