2008-09 News and Features

2009 Sixers Beach Bash provides fun in the sun for all ages

By: Kristen Smith

On a hot July day at the Jersey shore, basketball fans congregated together as the 10th Annual Sixers Beach Bash presented by Kia Motors returned to Jack’s Place in Avalon.

Sixers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski and Head Coach Eddie Jordan were on hand to meet and take pictures with the crowd while Sixers Forward Jason Smith and 2009 draft pick Jrue Holiday signed autographs under the packed tent.

“This was my first Beach Bash and it was a lot of fun,” said Jrue Holiday. “It was great getting to know the fans. This was a nice opportunity for the fans to get to know the players as well.”

The 2009-10 Sixers Dancers made their first public appearance at the event. The new squad spent the afternoon interacting with the crowd, taking pictures, and signing autographs.

Among the many others who made the trip down the shore to lend a hand with the day’s activities were Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren, WIP personalities Howard Eskin, Paul Jolovitz, Marc Farzetta, Big Daddy Graham, and Joe Conklin, ESPN 950’s Mike Missanelli, FOX 29’s Jennaphr Frederick, Philadelphia Inquirer columnist John Gonzalez, Comcast SportsNet’s Neil Hartman and Dei Lynam, WWE Superstar MVP and Sixers Radio Voice Tom McGinnis.

While celebrity bartenders served up a good time inside, kids and families enjoyed a festival atmosphere filled with games, moon bounces, snow cones, and other various activities outside. Fans had a chance to bid on a number of great packages at the silent auction, or pick up some of their favorite Sixers gear at the community relations tent. Author Jennifer Grocki was there to sign the Sixers Charities children’s book “From A to Zone D”, which teaches the letters of the alphabet through basketball terms.

This year also featured a special custom-designed puzzle of a summer image that incorporated both the beach and Sixers logo. This unique feature encouraged fans to add pieces of the 76ers new logo to complete the puzzle. After fans and Sixers staff worked together to complete the nearly 800 piece puzzle, it was signed by Sixers players and will be donated by the Sixers and Kia Motors to Lankenau Hospital of Main Line Health.

For many fans, the Sixers Beach Bash is a summer tradition. But for others, including Head Coach Eddie Jordan, this event was a first. “You feel the enthusiasm and energy face to face with the fans,” Jordan said. “To come out and have that sort of relationship is awesome.”

The day was an overall success, due in large part to the assistance and support of many of the team’s sponsors, including presenting sponsor Kia Motors as well as the city of Avalon.

A portion of the money raised during the Beach Bash will benefit Sixers Charities. Founded in 1996, Sixers Charities assists organizations that focus on youth, recreation, health and education. A final tally will be announced at a later date.

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