Chris Long
MARGATE – Philadelphia Eagles’ fans are in for a treat as recently-retired Eagles defensive lineman Chris Long and sports host Michael Barkann join the fifth annual Jackie and Hank Herskowitz Sports Night fundraising event 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 at the Milton and Betty Katz Jewish Community Center, 501 N. Jerome Ave.
“We’re honored to have this former NFL player and 2018 Walter Payton Man of the Year along with Michael Barkann to headline our event,” Sports Night Chairman Jeff Herskowitz said. “The things that Chris has done off the field for others is truly amazing.”
Long announced his retirement from football last month, ending an 11-year NFL playing career that included winning two Super Bowl titles and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The 33-year-old son of Hall of Famer Howie Long had 70 career sacks and 15 forced fumbles in stints with the Rams, Patriots and Eagles. He won back-to-back championships with the Patriots in 2017 and Eagles in 2018. Long was selected last February as the league’s Walter Payton Award recipient for his outstanding community service.
He established the Chris Long Foundation in 2015 to impact communities nationally and internationally through programs focusing on clean water, military appreciation and youth education. In 2017, Long donated his entire salary to support education in cities where he has played, St. Louis, Boston and Philadelphia.
This year, Long climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for the fourth time with other NFL players and U.S. military veterans to raise money to build clean water wells for East Africa.
He was the second overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Rams out of Virginia. Long spent his first eight seasons in St. Louis before signing with New England as a free agent in 2016. He played his final two seasons with Philadelphia after joining the Eagles as a free agent.
Michael Barkann
Michael Barkann, was the venerable day-one voice for NBC Sports Philadelphia and has been recently elevated to host of all pre- and post-game shows in Philadelphia.
Barkann now focuses on anchoring Sixers, Phillies and Flyers programming, in addition to his Eagles responsibilities. Throughout the nearly 21 years at the network, Barkann’s duties have included hosting “Philly Sports Talk” (formerly Daily News Live), specials, including championship parades, “Eagles Pregame Live” and “Eagles Postgame Live.”
“Michael has changed the way Philadelphia sports fans watch and interact with their teams, making Eagles Postgame Live a must watch for all Eagles fans,” NBC Sports Philadelphia President Brian Monihan said.
Jackie and Hank Herskowitz and their son Jeffrey originally started Sports Night in 2011. After Jackie and Hank’s passing in 2014, the event was renamed in their honor in recognition of the philanthropy they engaged in to help so many individuals. Their philanthropic legacy continues with the fifth annual fundraising event, which raises money for scholarships that provide programs and services for children and seniors of Atlantic County.
General admission tickets are $225 each, or two for $400, and includes dinner, open bar and a silent and live auctions. Ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are available and include a VIP Meet and Greet with Chris Long during the reception.
For Sports Night sponsorship or ticket information, visit jccatlantic.org, call 609-822-1167 or email mvola@jccatlantic.org.
