ACW
July-19th-2010, 08:30 PM
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/dc/catastrophe-averted-for-a-local-basketball-league-071710
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A catastrophe was averted for a local youth basketball league in Washington D.C.
The kids had scraped together $1,000 to pay for uniforms, equipment and referees.
Then they say the homeless man who organized the league vanished, taking their money with him.
"It was a heartbreaking moment. We were all out here trying to play, to keep off the street," said player Caled Swann.
The young players were very disappointed, but not for long.
News of their plight prompted an outpouring of donations from the community.
"Folks gave us a break, so I felt that the small company we have, that has done well over the years, it's important for us to give back," said business owner Andre Lynch.
The original idea was to have homeless men run the league to help keep teens out of trouble.
Wade Simmons was one of the first to sign on as a coach hoping he could help teach some important lessons.
"I was homeless and a convicted felon,” said Simmons. “It gives me the opportunity to say I did some things wrong, a lot of things wrong, and I'll continue to make mistakes, but I'm going to put back also."
So far, Coach Simmons says they've received $7,000 with another $15,000 in pledges.
After nearly giving up, the kids learned a valuable lesson they will never forget.
"To see the donations,” said Swann as he waited for his team’s turn to play, “and to see that people still care, it really brightens my soul and heart."Good story :)
I was so mad after reading the original story (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/07/AR2010070702102.html) in the Post.
Updated Post story (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/19/AR2010071905068.html)
For details on how to help the league, contact the Central Union Mission at dtreadwell@missiondc.org or Wade Simmons at dg2k7@yahoo.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A catastrophe was averted for a local youth basketball league in Washington D.C.
The kids had scraped together $1,000 to pay for uniforms, equipment and referees.
Then they say the homeless man who organized the league vanished, taking their money with him.
"It was a heartbreaking moment. We were all out here trying to play, to keep off the street," said player Caled Swann.
The young players were very disappointed, but not for long.
News of their plight prompted an outpouring of donations from the community.
"Folks gave us a break, so I felt that the small company we have, that has done well over the years, it's important for us to give back," said business owner Andre Lynch.
The original idea was to have homeless men run the league to help keep teens out of trouble.
Wade Simmons was one of the first to sign on as a coach hoping he could help teach some important lessons.
"I was homeless and a convicted felon,” said Simmons. “It gives me the opportunity to say I did some things wrong, a lot of things wrong, and I'll continue to make mistakes, but I'm going to put back also."
So far, Coach Simmons says they've received $7,000 with another $15,000 in pledges.
After nearly giving up, the kids learned a valuable lesson they will never forget.
"To see the donations,” said Swann as he waited for his team’s turn to play, “and to see that people still care, it really brightens my soul and heart."Good story :)
I was so mad after reading the original story (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/07/AR2010070702102.html) in the Post.
Updated Post story (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/19/AR2010071905068.html)
For details on how to help the league, contact the Central Union Mission at dtreadwell@missiondc.org or Wade Simmons at dg2k7@yahoo.com.