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Grant Wieman
bobcats.com
November 26, 2009
Over 200 children and their families were able to experience a Thanksgiving treat that they will never forget recently when six members of the Charlotte Bobcats served dinner to them at Jillian’s for the Bobcat Sixth Annual Hoops and Hope Dinner.
Gerald Wallace, D.J. Augustin, Tyson Chandler, Boris Diaw, Gana Diop and Stephen Graham played games, signed autographs and brought some happiness to the families from A Child’s Place.
"It was great to get out here and be able to feed the kids, interact with them, play video games with them and just spend time with them," Chandler said. "A night like this is something that never happens for a lot of these kids and it’s great to be a part of it."
The families lined up to receive their turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and green beans from some of their favorite players, and could even come back for a second helping. That was a treat no child took for granted.
"So many of our kids are really worried about their situation. They feel like somehow they’re to blame," said Annabelle Suddreth, executive director of A Child’s Place. "Tonight, they can just come out, play for as long and as many games as they want to, and they can just be kids. That’s the best gift the Bobcats can give us."
Jillian’s opened all of their games at no charge to the kids, giving them a chance to play against the Bobcats in air hockey, pool and even shooting free throws.
"Just to interact with them and be able to play games with them was great," said Wallace, who added he takes the Thanksgiving holiday to heart. "Every morning that you wake up, it’s a blessing. You’re not promised the next day. I’m thankful to wake up every morning, be able to see my family and go out and do what I love to do."
Rufus, along with Lady Cats Jordan, Jenn, Chimere and Tia joined in the fun that also included a face painter and balloonist.
This was Suddreth’s fourth year at the Bobcats Hoops and Hope dinner. She said it was great that the Bobcats were able to give some of their time and resources to the event, but more than anything, the guests were happy, "just being able to come out here and be a kid."
"It’s a very good day for us," Graham said, adding he and the other players relish an opportunity to give back to the community, particularly during the holiday season. "We get a chance to feed some of the families that are less fortunate than us. We enjoy doing this."
A Child’s Place is a non-profit organization that works to erase the effects of homelessness on children and their educations. As Tuesday proved, they are helping more than just the kids.
"Thanksgiving is all about family," Chandler said. "What’s better than to be able to spend a night like this with your family?"
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