C's, RE/MAX Deliver New Home Courts

Marc D'Amico
Team Reporter and Analyst

By Taylor Kielpinski-Rogers
Celtics.com
August 9, 2012

BOSTON (August 7-9, 2012) – The Boston Celtics and RE/MAX of New England gave three lucky families a home-court makeover this past week as winners of the RE/MAX Home Court Program. Celtics guard Avery Bradley and Legend Cedric Maxwell were on hand to unveil a new basketball court to each family.

The winning families were amongst more than 350 contestants who entered essays explaining why they were in need of a home-court makeover. In addition to a new basketball court in their driveway, each family received a bedroom makeover complete with Celtics gear and decorations.

Home Court

Cedric Maxwell and Avery Bradley pose with two youngsters who were lucky enough to receive a home-court makeover.
Boston Celtics

Last year, the Dill family was left devastated when a tornado caused severe damage to their town of Monson, Mass. Along with many other families in town, the Dills were forced to rebuild their home, ultimately bringing the community closer together.

Stacey, the mother of the Dill family, stated that her children were the inspiration for writing her essay.

“My kids have had a really tough year and deserve this,�� she said. “When our workload lightened up, the kids immediately started helping others. They are the reason I entered the contest.”

The Heim family of North Andover, Mass. was selected for detailing what the family has overcome. The family’s youngest son, Brennan, was diagnosed with Legg Calves Perthes disease last year and has endured hip surgery along with casting of both legs. Brennan’s brothers, Johnny and Aidan, had been a great help to the family, even carrying their brother to his bedroom when he was unable to walk. Tara, the mother of the family, chose to enter the contest as a way to thank all of her sons for remaining positive.

“This is a special day for me and my family. My children are such an inspiration to me and that is why I chose to write this essay,” said Tara.

The Almanzar family of Lawrence, Mass. was entered into the contest by son Luisangel. He excels in school and has had a passion for basketball since an early age. Luisangel is also involved with the “Start Something” volunteer program, which has raised $4,500 for Japan following the tsunami in 2011.

Following the court unveiling, Luisangel and his brother Gabriel treated guests to a musical performance of “Better in Time” as a way of saying thank you to the Celtics and RE/MAX.

Maria Almanzar stated that “Her sons were so excited about the basketball court and bedroom makeover. They worked so hard this year and deserve it!”

Before the opening of the courts, Maxwell stated, “It is always a pleasure and inspiration to get involved. We have a great time coming out for these events and it is a great opportunity for everyone to give back.”

Bradley also presented the contest winners with an autographed and customized jersey after adding that, “It means a lot being able to see the smile on each family’s face.”

Bradley, Maxwell and Celtics mascot Lucky hosted basketball clinics for local children after the makeover unveilings. The children participated in drills that emphasized ball handling, shooting and defense.

At the conclusion of the clinics, Bradley brought everyone into a close huddle in order to end the same way the Celtics end their practices. He stated that he considers his teammates as brothers and Doc Rivers as a father. He later instructed everyone to yell “Ubuntu,” as a way of saying that they were a family.