SAN ANTONIO – An unofficial Becky Hammon Fan Club, self-dubbed as “Hammonites,” found a unique way to celebrate the star guard’s 31st birthday today, donating $1,160 to The Battered Women’s and Children’s Shelter of Bexar County.

The Hammonites are composed of about 20 fans from around the globe who meet for online discussions about anything and everything Silver Stars- and Becky Hammon- related. Many of them are Silver Stars season ticket holders or travel to catch Stars games when they can during the season. The group told the Silver Stars of their charitable plans in January and asked which charities Hammon supported. Hammon chose the Battered Women’s Shelter.

“I love that it’s a women’s cause and think it’s awesome the fans chose to help others with this donation,” said Hammon. “I’d love to thank the fans for focusing on something I feel so strongly about supporting.”

The Hammonites passed the virtual hat through their online message board, accepting donations sent to a P.O. Box set up specifically for the cause. Last week, the group turned the money over to the Spurs Foundation, which will donate it to the shelter in Hammon’s name.

The shelter provides housing for up to 40 women and their families to help them make a safe transition from abusive situations to independence.

The Silver Stars open the 2008 season on the road at Sacramento May 17 before hosting the defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury on May 20. Affordable full and partial season ticket plans are on sale now. Visit www.sasilverstars.com or call (210) 444.5090 for more information.