SPECIAL THANKS
Dream Makers Youth Foundation extends special thank-yous to the following contributors, volunteers, and participants, for without you our Third Annual Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Jam would not have been a success:
DMYF Volunteers who provided any and all assistance required during set-up and break-down, and throughout the duration of the event. Volunteers included: Nithya Rajendran, Veda Blount, Jarrell Mixon, Alisha Thatch, Vishwaja Cheruku, Belinda Holliday, Brittney Lott, Clarissa Teagle, Shamika Walker, Veronica Harrell, Jonee Roddy, Zeona Tate, Regina Smith, Asadd Tate, Rajeeyah Edmonson, Ayanna Wilson, Danya Wilson, and Alton Byrd.
The Atlanta Hawks for coordinating the appearances of Josh Childress, and Hawks’ mascots “Harry the Hawk” & “Skyhawk,” and for submitting, and pushing through our artwork to the NBA for approval.
Josh Childress for his continued support of our organization and fundraising events; Josh was instrumental in getting the Hawks as a franchise more involved this year. We also want to thank Josh for touching the lives of our kids—they look forward to meeting and hanging out with him every year, something even their able-bodied peers admire.
Mark Selbee for his consistent participation in our Jam, and for showing love to our kids; through his kind words, positive reinforcement, and constant flow of compliments, Mark has a way of touching the lives of our kids, and making them believe in themselves more than they already do. We also thank you Mark, for introducing us to Mr. Jon Shibley of Lenox Financial Mortgage, an angel in disguise.
Ed Owen for his consistent support of our events by taking photos, recruiting players, supplying and transporting wheelchairs, and educating us about everything there is to know about wheelchair basketball-this man is a genius!
Jumpin’ Jackie Jackson for remaining involved with our organization—whenever we call. Jack has a way of making everyone around him feel good, and adding a sense a real competitiveness to each game he coaches.
DJ Mast’ G (Burymen Entertainment) for keeping the event hyped—through his donation music, and for keeping us entertained with his sense of humor and warm--you are family--spirit that truly embraces DMYF’s philosophy of being dream makers.
The Atlanta Hawks’ mascots, Skyhawk and Harry the Hawk for keeping the crowd entertained during their performances, and throughout the game.
R&B group sensation Az1, for rockin’ the house with their exuberant performance that ‘wowed’ the crowd. Young and old found themselves in awe of these talented young ladies, who were more than willing to sign autographs and take pictures with attendees whenever asked.
Slam Jamz recording artist Lady Payne who, on the eve of an international tour, agreed to perform her debut track “I Wish,” leaving attendees both entertained and thoughtful.
Hattie Lemon & Ladies in the Lockerroom who have shown their continued support by being actively involved in all three of our Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Jam events by taking photographs, video recording the events, and interviewing the celebrity participants.
Daminon Lewis and V-103 for their consistent support of our events through radio promotions, and for conducting games and providing giveaways for our event attendees.
Sandra Boynton (Italio’s Gelato & Café) for coordinating the donation of pizzas for the concession stand.
Jennith Bernstein for reffing the game, and for transporting wheelchairs to and from the event.
Matt from Mobility Designs for donating water bottles, completing wheelchair modifications, and for transporting wheelchairs to and from the event.
Wellstar Systems for donating water bottles for giveaways.
ABC Marketing Group for providing raffle-prize giveaways.
American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP) for providing loaner wheelchairs for the event.
Marietta Daily Journal (Amanda Crissup) for providing pre-event coverage.
Atlanta Journal Constitution (Sandy Eckstein) for providing pre-event coverage.
Martin’s Restaurants for purchasing ad space, and donating napkins and paper plates for the concession stand.
Handicapped Driver Services for raffle-prize giveaways, and for making available for view, a handicapped-accessible van.
Shepherd Center for providing loaner wheelchairs for the event.
Joe Seymour, Lahna Hendricks of IOU Magazine for assisting with the promotions of the event, donating magazines for giveaways, and providing assistance throughout the game. We are looking forward to developing a strategic alliance between our two companies, as we make plans to take Atlanta, and the World, by storm.
Dream Makers Youth Foundation also extends thank-yous to the following business contributors, who were instrumental to the success of this event:
OUR EVENT SPONSORS:
DMYF
IOU Magazine
Well Connected Marketing
Italio’s Gelato & Café
Bella’s Pizzeria
Zucca
Coca-Cola
Martin’s Restaurants
V-103
AAASP
EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS
Dream Makers Youth Foundation would like to again acknowledge the St. Thomas Knights of Columbus, who continue to provide financial assistance and support to our organization. Through a simple introduction of our organization to the Knights by Mr. Wade Lnenicka (Smyrna City Council Member) in 2005, our Knights have taken us under their wing, and designated our organization as the recipient of the proceeds from their annual Tootsie Roll Drive. We are so appreciative of the St. Thomas Knights of Columbus and their dedication to our organization, and their willingness to organize, plan, and implement their annual fundraiser on our behalf. So we graciously thank the St. Thomas Knights of Columbus for their contributions, which on this evening, presented by Mr. Joe Yorio, was a check for $660!
Dream Makers Youth Foundation was introduced to Mr. Jon Shibley of Lenox Financial Mortgage, by World Champion Kickboxer Mark Selbee. Having heard about DMYF and our Jam from Mark, Jon was interested in playing. He seemed to be a man of action and few words, as he maneuvered smoothly up and down the court, and scored quietly; on behalf of his company, he also quietly and very unexpectedly pledged $5000 to our organization…wow.
DMYF offers a heartfelt thanks to you, Mr. Shibley, and Lenox Financial Mortgage.
