Special Party For Kids Creates Lasting Memories

The Bobcats hosted 10 children from Presbyterian Hospital’s Blume Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic on March 11 as they played host to the New York Knicks at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.

The 10 children and a guest of their choice were picked up by limousine from Presbyterian Hospital and chauffeured around Charlotte before they were taken to the arena. The children were then escorted to a suite where they had goody bags, hot dogs, and soda’s waiting for them.

“This is the best birthday I’ve ever had,” Malachi said, “this whole day has been great, but I’m really looking forward to the game tonight.”

After helping to create an unforgettable birthday memory, Okafor served birthday cake, signed autographs and took pictures with the guests.

“They’re young and impressionable,” Okafor said at the end of his visit, “I know when I was younger and had athletes come and see me, it made my day.”

Just as one star was about to leave, the surprise and excitement kept on coming. Sean May was the next to arrive and take part in the “meet and greet.” May signed autographs and took pictures while the children munched on hot dogs and birthday cake.

“The first thing this organization told me when I got here was that they want to be more in touch with their fans than any other team in the league,” May said. “I’ve experienced this first hand. It’s important to the community, our fans and for our image. I’ve loved every bit of it.”

The goody bags each child was provided with included an activity book, T-shirt, basketball, stickers, hats, books, puzzles, water bottles, and even a coveted Raymond Felton bobble head doll.

Dezmond Wingate and his father, Rodney, were one of the pairs the Bobcats hosted for the game, and the event could not have been a more memorable experience for the father and son.

“I knew the kids would be very excited about it,” Rodney Wingate said as the kids were admiring their suite. “Being at a young age it’s probably something that has never happened to them before. I’m very excited!”

Dezmond suffers from a thickening of the heart muscle, which is a condition he has lived with throughout his childhood.

“He’s here now, and we thank God for the doctors at Presbyterian Hospital and their staff for allowing him to be here at these types of events today” Rodney Wingate went on to say. “I haven’t been to a basketball game in a really long time, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Added Dezmond Wingate, “I hope it’s going to be a good game and that my dad enjoys it too.”

Everyone did indeed see a good game as the Bobcats won,116-109, capping off a night on the town that will never be forgotten by both the children and their guests.

“We’re just trying to reach out to the community and put a smile on as many faces as possible,” said Okafor as he wrapped up his visit with the kids.