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Calls On World Famous Harlem Globetrotter Alumni To Assist
Charity Celebrity Basketball Game Proceeds To Help Purchase Uniforms
GRIFFIN - Get ready to sing a little “Sweet Georgia Brown” as star alumni of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters arrive at Griffin High School next month. Mark your calendars for mid-day, Saturday, May 6th and get your tickets now for an exciting, family oriented basketball extravaganza.
The country’s most entertaining basketball players will take on some of our very own ministers, personalities, teachers, principals, coaches and other officials from Griffin-Spalding in a charity basketball game to support the Griffin High School Marching Band of Gold. Band students, their new director, Reginald Mitchell, and school boosters are pushing hard to raise funds for much needed uniforms.
Mitchell hopes for a sell-out crowd as the Marching Band of Gold is on a quest to raise thousands of dollars needed to march into the 21st Century. The band has been performing in the same uniforms since 1997 when Griffin High was named Fairmont High. This celebrity basketball game marks the first ever planned major event to help raise the funds. “We are proud to represent Griffin-Spalding County in upcoming parades that have extended invitations to us throughout the Southeastern United States. I feel confident we’ll get there with our community’s support,” said Mitchell. Under Mitchell, in one year, the marching band has grown from 25 to 63 members; and, it is expected to grow to 85 members this fall.
Don’t miss the charity basketball game action as “Sugar Bear” Capers, “Hollywood” Brown, “Mr. T” Randolph, “Gator” Rivers, “Showtime” Gaffney and others take the court to perform and entertain fans. “It will be an honor to help these hard working young students to achieve their goals. We are looking forward to this opportunity because it allows us to give back to those who have always enjoyed, and continue to support the Harlem Globetrotters," said “Hollywood” Brown.
While the young and young at heart will be entertained and see spectacular plays on the court, all will enjoy witnessing these world class athletes take on community leaders from Griffin-Spading County Public Schools.
“Having these Globetrotter stars play here in Griffin is a treat for all ages,” said Reginald Mitchell, Director of the Marching Band of Gold. He continued, “An already humorous game becomes hilarious when our community leaders and school district officials risk their pride and egos all for fun and for a very good cause. This game is totally unique to our community—you’ll never see another one like it!”
The Griffin-Spalding School Board has not hesitated in throwing their support behind the endeavor. Superintendent Jim Smith has reiterated four principals. “Growth, Sustain, Collaborate and Succeed, are our core beliefs as we continue academic success in our district,” said Mr. Smith.
Mayor Rodney McCord echoed that sentiment by stating, “We are Griffin. We are all we have as we continue to grow and sustain here in Griffin- Spalding County.” He has thrown in his support as well as his favorite sneakers to play against the world class athletes in the charity basketball game.
Educators and school officials as well as community and other civic leaders will join forces on the hard court to help the band. The Griffin-Spalding opposing team has been named the Iris City Leprechauns, and Pastor Zachary "Spanky" Holmes, School Board Chairman, has agreed to act as Honorary Coach that evening. Reverend Dr. Cleopatrick Lacy, pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church along with Griffin High Head Football Coach, Antonio Andrews, Assistant Basketball Coach, Courtney Favors and Head Girls Basketball Coach, Veronica Lee have all joined the roster to represent Griffin-Spalding County, just to name a few.
There will be many activities at this star studded event, and one can expect a very festive night. At half-time, The Marching Band of Gold will perform. There will be a pre-game celebrities meet-n-greet reception for VIP ticket holders, a pre-game foul shot contest for children, celebrity autographed basketball raffles, red, white and blue basketball sales, delicious concessions and more. The game culminates with an autograph session for all of the attendees. Doors are open to the public at 3:00 p.m. and the game gets underway at 4:00 p.m.
“Showtime” Gaffney summed up the evening by saying, “Although we are bringing our ‘A’ game with some of the best slam dunking, ball handling and trick dribbling in the world; we will have a good time, make the audience laugh and help them forget their problems for a couple of hours. We will see everyone there!" concluded Gaffney.
Tickets for the game are $25 for courtside, comfortable, chair back seats, reserved convenient parking and a private meet-n-greet with the Globetrotter Alumni. General Admission tickets are $10.00 and are on a first come basis. Both can be purchased at the Griffin High School front office or by calling 770-229-3752 ext. 27195 for more information and group sales.
For further information, contact Ursula Hardy at 770-685-5149.