Former college and pro basketball star Bill Walton will be the guest speaker at a fundraiser for Heppner Day Care on Monday, Dec. 12, at the Heppner Elks Lodge.

Other guest speakers for the event will include John Turner, president of Blue Mountain Community College, and Pat Kilkenny, former athletic director at the University of Oregon and retired insurance executive.

Kilkenny is a Heppner native.

The trio will be in Heppner to help raise donations for the daycare center, which is having difficulties after government funding cutbacks.

The social hour for the event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a tri-tip dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the guest speakers.

Walton is donating some personal memorabilia to be auctioned and Kilkenny has donated courtside tickets to the new Matthew Knight Basketball Arena in Eugene, which happens to have a picture of the Morrow County Court House on the new court floor.  Oregon State Beaver and Oregon Duck items will compete and other items will also be available for auction.  

Due to limited seating, only 175 tickets will be available for this event.  Ticket cost is $25, which includes the tri-tip dinner, admission to the speakers and auction.

The event is expected to sell out quickly so interested parties are encouraged to get their tickets early.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 541-676-9226.  All donations should be made to the Heppner Day Care.