NFL Players Bring March Madness to New Rochelle High School

March 3, 2008 - PRLog -- NFL Players offers fans of all ages a lifetime experience to witness the "best of both worlds" - their favorite sports heroes, teachers, coaches and community based organizations play in a competitive and fun game of basketball.

Who:           NFL vs. New Rochelle Huguenots & Community Teams
Tickets:      $10.00 Adults - $8.00 Students - $50.00 VIP
Where:        New Rochelle High School – 265 Clove Road
        New Rochelle, New York

Six teams comprised of students from New Rochelle High School and Middle School, Teachers, Coaches, Parents and Community Based Organizations, including the Fire and Police Department will compete against former NFL players.  Proceeds from the “Dare to Dream” basketball tournament will benefit the New Rochelle Special Education PTA, the Museum of Arts & Culture, Dreams for Kids and Giolai. Each benefactor shares a common philosophy and goal, which is to help children and adolescents in need, via a multitude of programs that increases confidence and promote positive development.

"I think this is the most exciting event to come into New Rochelle in years.  It is wonderful to have four organizations that are committed to changing children lives, be it leadership training, character development, assistance with special needs, or the arts.  They are coming together to raise funds to make a difference"  Dr. Fred Smith, Assistant Superintendent, Pupil Personnel and Curricular Services, City School District of New Rochelle.

The evening will start with students Brian & John Harris singing the “National Anthem”, which is sure to get things off to a good start. Halftime entertainment will be provided by students of New Rochelle, including musical performance by Trinity Marching Band. Award winning cheerleaders from New Rochelle High School will certainly add spirit to the festivities. The basketball tournament primary focus is the students of New Rochelle and we would like to showcase their multiple-talents.

As part of the evening’s half-time celebration New Rochelle High School will honor their native son Ray Rice.  Ray, in his junior year helped lead New Rochelle High School to a New York state championship, and took the team to the finals his senior year.  Ray Rice is currently a junior at Rutgers University and had decided to leave Rutgers to join the NFL.  Ray is expected to participate in the half-time celebration.

“What a wonderful opportunity we have to bring the community together for a night of fun.  It is important that we recognize our youth for the great work they are doing” says Pamela N. Njapa-Minyard, Founder and Executive Director of Giolai which runs a leadership training program for girls at New Rochelle High School.

Our corporate sponsors will also be recognized doing half-time game activities, and will receive tickets and VIP seating. Prior to the game, sponsors are invited to an informal reception and private photo op with NFL Players and Celebrity Guest.

NFL players scheduled to participate include:*

Lee Rouson, New York Giants
Odessa Turner, New York Giants
Steven Baker, New York Giants
Harry Flaherty, Dallas Cowboys
Randy Reutershan, Pittsburg Steelers
Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
Derrick “The Wiz” Murphy, Harlem Globetrotters
Nate Blackwell, San Antonio Spars
Sam Washington, Cleveland Cavaliers
 
*Participants subject to change

"The caliber of athletes that have committed so far is tremendous. It shows their dedication and commitment to making a difference within their communities and to helping make a difference in the life of a child”, states Lonnie Allgood, CEO of Dream for Kids and Formal NFL Player.  

To reserve tickets:  http://www.ipowergs.com

About Benefactors:

Dreams for Kid’s Inc. is a non-profit organization that is passionate about helping kids reach their dreams in life.  Dreams for Kid’s mission is to help build a child’s character by giving them the tools they need to believe in them selves and respect others.  Through interaction with current and former professional athletes as mentors we want the children to understand the importance of education and inspire them to become great people in society.  The “Dare to Dream” curriculum is designed to reach adolescents ages 7-18 years of age.  It is an educational support program that concentrates on providing the maturing adolescent with valuable information about LIFE experiences.  Dream for Kids was founded by former NFL Player Lonnie Allgood.

Giolai (gee-oh-lay) is a Westchester based not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to enhancing the future for girls 11 to 18 who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Giolai helps girls to become responsible, self-reliant and successful students who will grow into equally successful adults and members of their communities. Giolai's curriculum encompasses hands on leadership training, health education, etiquette sessions, and academic excellence.  Giolai programs are being delivered throughout Westchester and the Bronx in after-school settings to empower and educate girls of color, mostly from underserved communities.  The Giolai program is currently running in the New Rochelle, Yonkers, Mt. Vernon, and New York City School District. For more information visit the website at http://www.Giolai.org

The Museum of Arts & Culture is the only Regents-chartered museum in a school in the State of New York. The MAC, which occupies the Donald Baughman Galleries at New Rochelle High School, offers a combination of original and visiting exhibits and programs focused on the fine arts, history, literature, science and technology, providing an on-site museum experience for students and serving as an important cultural asset for the community at large. The Museum of Arts & Culture is funded by the non-profit New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence, a 501 (c)3 corporation, and is open to the public year-round. For more information visit the website at www.dbmac.org.

New Rochelle SEPTA is a Special Education Parent Teacher Association, which is part of the New Rochelle School District and affiliated with the NYS PTA.  SEPTA holds monthly meetings featuring guest speakers addressing a variety of issues relating to special education and parenting.  SEPTA works closely with the schools in the district, and its members are strong advocates for all the children in our district ensuring their needs are being met. For more information visit the website at www.nrsepta.org.

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