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Brian
Cook, Graue Inc. and Lincoln IGA
join for LCHS fund-raiser
[JULY 2, 2003]
Two
area businesses, Graue Inc. and Lincoln IGA, are the local sponsors
for the newly released book "Brian Cook: An Illini Legend." Both
businesses donated the books they received as sponsors to Lincoln
Community High School and its basketball program.
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Cook signed copies of
the book for 2½ hours at Graue Inc. on June 29. The book-signing
event raised over $4,000 for the high school's general education
fund and the basketball program.
He will be returning
to Lincoln on Aug. 23, during the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival.
Times and locations for book-signings are yet to be determined.
"Brian Cook: An
Illini Legend" has been well received in Springfield and Mahomet as
well. Cook signed more than 700 books for fans in Springfield and
nearly 600 in Mahomet.
As shown the book,
former University of Illinois basketball star Brian Cook worked his
way from a tough, poor upbringing (often eating syrup sandwiches),
having been raised by his loving mother and dealing with self-esteem
issues and a lack of confidence. From that beginning he slowly built
himself into a McDonald's all-American basketball player in high
school and eventually into the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year
with the Fighting Illini.
[to top of second column in this article]
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 He resisted the
temptation to leave college early, instead staying for what he
called "the best four years of my life." He grew from a boy to a man
while at college and maintained a tremendous relationship with his
mother (his best friend) and his sisters. Now Cook awaits a career
in the NBA and looks forward to the day when he can use his money to
buy something wonderful for his mother.
In an era filled with players best
described as "punks," "Brian Cook: An Illini Legend" tells the story
of a man who is sweet, sensitive and caring.
[Press
release]
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