Mavs Host Annual Holiday Party

Art Garcia | Mavs.com
Posted: Dec. 21, 2007

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Callie Jarmon made sure her mom had a map to get to GameWorks in Grapevine. Dora always has a map, so Callie needs one too.

Callie gives Damp a big hug! NBAE/Getty Images

Luckily, mom knew how to get to there from Cleburne. Callie couldn’t have been happier. The precocious 3 ½ year old burst out of her shell – she’s shy at times – and ran through the arcade Thursday playing games and hugging her new Mavericks friends.

She’s a new fan. Just like the 150 children from Parkland Hospital’s Pediatric Burn Unit and Gilda’s Club North Texas who attended the holiday party along with their families and the entire Mavericks team.

“She’s been talking about this ever since I told her we’d be coming,” said Jennifer Jarmon, Callie’s mom. “I showed her the Mavericks on TV and every time she sees a basketball game, she thinks it’s the Mavericks. When we got here she said, ‘When are the Mavericks getting here?’”

Callie thought the team would be in uniform. Callie and the rest of the kids soon learned the Mavs don’t need to be wearing shorts to have fun. Dirk Nowitzki and Gana Diop jumped into the Indy Cars to race much younger and shorter drivers. Josh Howard and Jason Terry literally had to be pulled away from playing video games with their new friends when it was time to go.

Dirk and Paige NBAE/Getty Images

“It’s awesome,” said 15-year-old Paige Voyles, also there through Parkland. “I’ve always seen them on TV and it’s so cool to see them in person. They seem so sweet. I’m not the biggest Mavs watcher, but I know Dirk Nowitzki. I’ve seen him on Punk’d.”

Nowitzki knows how to take a joke and have a good time. He also knows how to connect with those who need a helping hand now and then.

NBAE/Getty Images

“The NBA has a lot of great programs to participate in. I didn’t beat Manuel in the car race, so I’m a little bit mad,” Nowitzki joked.

The kids also had a chance to meet with Santa. The spirit of the season wasn’t lost on anywhere there.

“Growing up you look up to different individuals,” Diop said. “Kids idolize us. It’s good to put a smile on a kid’s face at a time like the holidays.”

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Santa was on hand to take photos with the kids and hear what they wanted for Christmas.

Eddie Jones signs a t-shirt.

Devin takes on an attendee in a video game.

Dirk says hello to Santa.

Damp gets his photo taken with 3 1/2 year old Callie.

Dirk gets ready to take on a member from Gilda's Club.

Mavs mascot Mavs Man was also there to mingle with the crowd.

Juwan Howard chats with a guest.

JJ Barea shows Trenton Hassell how this game is played.

Dirk & Diop take on a couple kids in the race cars.

Diop beats out Dirk, who can't believe he lost!

Dirk & Santa pose for a group shot.

All Photos by Lane Murdoch/NBAE/Getty Images