The Lions Truly Entertain the Crowd at the Youth Football Basketball Fundraiser
Three retired and three active Detroit Lions football players came to Manchester on Friday night. The event was billed as a basketball game against the Manchester Community Schools staff and celebrities, but it was truly a night full of entertainment.
The Lions, and MCS staff alike, spent the evening entertaining the kids, often stopping the game and pulling a fan out of the crowd to give them a few moments in the spotlight and a lifetime of memories. Here are just a few highlights...
Full team pictures - the MCS celebrities with the Detroit Lions players! Such a fun night for the fans and a great night for Manchester Youth Football.
Joanna VanRaden with the ultimate in team spirit. She spent much of the pregame taking pictures with her current and former students. She later wrote on Facebook, "This has to be one of the craziest things I have done to help my community! It was a riot! #lovemyjob"
Rob Rubick spent the pregame signing autographs and taking pictures with fans.
Rob Rubick with another happy fan!
Cory Schlesinger graciously spent time autographing items for fans.
Manchester area scouts opened the game with a flag ceremony.
Erica Woolams and daughter Julie sing God Bless America
Chelsea native, Tony Scheffler, jumps into the stands while being introduced at the beginning of the game. A happy fan is attempting to catch him (not grab him) and then...
Tony Scheffler gets carried away...I don't think this is what he envisioned when he jumped into the crowd!
Yep, Devin Taylor actually knelt down on the floor so that Mrs. O'Mara would have a shot at getting the tip off!! It was still close...
Bill Bentley greets Mr. Bob and he comes onto the court. Mr. Bob agreed to go easy on him...
Mrs. O'Mara showed such enthusiasm as she flies down the court and throughout the entire evening, even Devin Taylor was smiling!
Anyone with older siblings completely understands this photo. Ha ha, you can't get it!
Throughout the evening, Rob Rubick pulled off his jersey and handed it to a young fan. That fan was invited out on the floor to play with the Lions - often scoring, of course!
Wait...Is Tony Scheffler trying to cheat - or just hold up the oversized jersey so he doesn't trip? Your call...
...even if they needed a little help to do so.
Chase Conklin takes on Cory Schlesinger for a brief wrestling match during the game.
Photo courtesy of Unforgettable Photos
...and Chase pins him!
Photo courtesy of Unforgettable Photos.
The Lions spent the evening making it a night to remember for a lot of kids. This is just one of many kids that were touched by their generosity.
The four organizers that made it all possible: Jill Corwin, Chad Duffing, Jenni Kerns, and Amelia Woods.
Chad Duffing was presented with two t-shirts, signed by all players, and $100 donation towards the program as a token of appreciation for his hard work. Thanks Mr. Bob!
Herman Moore's generosity didn't end with the buzzer. After showering and changing in the dressing room, he came out for more pictures with the Corwin family...and then hit the Tap. See photos here.
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