FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2011
Jacksonville, Florida
GIANTS ENTERTAIN AND RAISE $5000 FOR LAKESIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Once the children at Lakeside Elementary School heard about the Giants vs. Teachers event, it took less than one week for the students to sell and buy 700 tickets to the school fundraiser. Mrs. T, a Lakeside Elementary School coach and the idea person behind this event, said, "I just wanted to raise a few thousand dollars for more athletic equipment. I had no idea it would be so successful."
The Giants arrived with its entire contingent of players. "This was no 'Let's send them two players' event," said Mrs. T. "It was obvious that the Giants took its community service seriously and came to entertain and play." In addition to its team, the Giants also brought two cheerleaders and its furry orange Giant mascot, Mr. Biggs. The "Voice of the Giants," Richard Miller, called the play by play and also enjoyed the lightheartedness of the entertainment.
One mother, photographing her little girl with Mr. Biggs, said, "We laughed the entire time. It was so entertaining. The Giants deserve a tremendous amount of respect for what they have done tonight."
Throwing most rules of basketball to the side, the Giants heaved, tossed, rolled and spun the red, white and blue basketball from one end of the court to the other. But, they always gave the teachers the uncharacteristic opportunity to grab or steal the ball. Player Anthony Lumpkin performed five head-over-heals back flips to the enjoyment of the onlookers.
Every time the teachers would score, the kids would jump to their feet and scream. "It was a night to be remembered," said Giants player, Lumpkin. "I have played in national championships and this was more fun than that." Jason Bennett, the team's 7'4" Giant, exclaimed, "This was a blast. Everyone on our team is smiling and happy. We have fun playing basketball as a game and not as competitively as we normally need to play."
Another Giant, Nick Wallery, participated in the all-girls dance recital at halftime. Sherod Harris ran out to join him. "Seeing these serious champions dance with all of us was a night to be remembered. And, their moves are rarely seen in Clay County," said one dancer. Anthony Lumpkin borrowed a drummers snare drum and marched like a soldier all over the court. Assistant Coach, David Graham, doubled over with laughter said, "We've never seen this side of all the guys at once. Oh, they fool around sometimes at practice. But, for the entire team to come alive has never been witnessed before."
At one time, Bennett picked up Sherod Harris, a 6' teammate, and carried him up and down the court like a baby - all while Harris bounced the basketball. Bennett said, "It is rare that someone comes in contact with a 7' player. So when they see me along with our other two 7' players and three 6'10" players, their mouths drop."
Final game attendance was estimated at 600, and it was standing room only. The teachers were tough and hung in there but in the end, the Giants came out on top. Its undefeated season still stands.
After the game, the team did not whisk off to home, but rather stayed behind until every last autograph was signed. "We do that after every game," said team coach, Kevin Waters. These players have signed nearly 10,000 autographs each, this season. They are humbled that the fans would want their signatures. Some fans even ask the players to sign their bodies and shirts."
For more information on how your school can hold such an event, contact Erin@JacksonvilleGiants.com.