In recognition of his efforts on behalf of Colorado’s children, Advocates for Children has named former Nuggets player and head coach, Bill Hanzlik, as its 2007 Friend of Children award winner. Advocates for Children was one of the beneficiaries of Hanzlik's early philanthropy on behalf of Colorado’s children back in the 1980s while he was still playing for the Nuggets. Over the years, he has continued to focus on children, using sports-related activities to help youth build character and foster self-confidence. Today he is the full-time CEO of the Gold Crown Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to improving the lives of Colorado’s children through athletics and education. Hanzlik will be honored at Advocates’ eleventh annual Red Wagon Ball, to be held Saturday, October 6, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Denver Tech Center. Fox 31 News anchors Libby Weaver and Ron Zappolo will once again emcee, and celebrity auctioneer Gary Corbett will return to conduct the live auction. Tickets are $125 per person, and can be purchased by calling 303-695-1882.

"Bill Hanzlik has been a wonderful friend of children for more than two decades," says Advocates' Executive Director Peggy Rudden. "Through his programs that teach children vital character-building lessons as they participate in sports, he has not only been a wonderful mentor to kids but also an admirable role model. We know that countless children’s lives have been made better and their futures brighter thanks to the efforts of Bill Hanzlik."

Hanzlik recalls his first impression of Advocates for Children, back in the late '80s: "As a basketball player, I was often asked to support nonprofit organizations. But I was particularly drawn to Advocates for Children because it served kids who are often overlooked by other programs. Becoming involved with Advocates for Children was an eye-opener for me. I learned about the prevalence of child abuse and neglect in our community, and I was gratified to help an organization that works on behalf of children who might not otherwise have an advocate."

Now in its 20th year, the Gold Crown Foundation provides over 36,000 sports opportunities annually for boys and girls elementary through high school. Westword Newspaper named the Gold Crown Foundation "Denver’s Best Kids Sports Foundation" in 2002 thanks to Hanzlik’s efforts.

Hanzlik played 10 years in the National Basketball Association with the Denver Nuggets and Seattle Sonics. During his NBA career, Hanzlik was one of the league's most versatile players, playing all five positions for the Nuggets. He was a key member of two Denver Nuggets Midwest Division Championship teams and helped the Nuggets reach the NBA playoff eight times during his nine years in Denver. At the University of Notre Dame, Hanzlik helped lead the Irish to the NCAA Final Four. He was a member of the 1980 U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball team that boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics. After retiring as a player, Hanzlik spent the next eight years as an NBA coach with the Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks and Denver Nuggets. From 1997-1998, Hanzlik served as head coach of the Denver Nuggets. He was the Seattle Sonics number one pick in the 1980 NBA draft.

Because of his athletic achievements and contributions to the Colorado sports community, Hanzlik was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2004. An active youth sports coach, Hanzlik serves on the board of Metro Denver Sports Commission, and is a Trustee for Western State College. He has served on the boards of the Samaritan House, Colorado Christian Home, and All Saints School. He is also a former trustee of two state colleges and works on the Colorado Commission of Higher Education. He has volunteered with the Children's Hospital, Advocates for Children, and Special Olympics. Hanzlik earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering at the University of Notre Dame. He and his wife, Maribeth, have four children.