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High jinks on the hardwood

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BY KLINT LOWRY

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: January 28, 2009

Hey, all you driveway hoops stars out there - think you got game? If so, the Women's Resource Center of Tampa Bay would like to borrow it for a night.

Recently relocated to 4114 Tonga Lane, Suite 3B, New Port Richey, the Women's Resource Center is a nonprofit charitable organization providing shelter for displaced women and their children.

Using a seven-step system, the center not only helps women during difficult times in their lives, but also helps the women identify and break the behavior cycles and thought patterns that got them into the situation.

At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, the center will welcome the Harlem Ambassadors to Gulf Middle School for a basketball spectacle fundraiser. Based in Fort Collins, Colo., the Harlem Ambassadors are a professional team that travels the United States and Canada.

The team of eight men and two women combines time-tested comedy routines and superb basketball skills in a display that is equally entertaining to young and old.

Many of the Ambassadors' appearances are tied to fundraising efforts. Susan Stallard, the Women's Resource Center's founder and director, would like to make a game visit by the Ambassadors an annual event for the center.

For this inaugural game, Stallard is rushing to find sponsors and volunteers to help provide all the elements it takes to put on a charity basketball game.

First on the list: an opposing team for the Ambassadors. Unlike the better-known Harlem Globetrotters, which has as its perennial patsies the Washington Generals, the Ambassadors don't have a traveling opposition squad.

The Women's Resource Center is seeking to put together a squad of 20 players, age 19 or older. Both men and women are invited to sign up. Because the Ambassadors are a professional team, however, anyone who is a college player or has other concerns about his or her amateur status should not sign up.

The cost to play, $120 per player, will help pay the Ambassadors' appearance fee. Businesses are encouraged to sponsor individual players from their own ranks.

Prospective players should anticipate a couple of practices before the game, and arriving early for a shoot-around. Those interested in playing should call Stallard as soon as possible at 727-326-5320.

She'd also like to hear from someone with coaching experience willing to take the time to whip the team into shape on short notice, bearing in mind the game is meant to be light-hearted fun.

And as host, the Women's Resource Center will also have to supply a referee. While they want someone with experience - as well as a referee shirt and whistle - Stallard emphasized whoever calls the game will have to remember this is a comedy exhibition, not an NBA audition.

In fact, sometime prior to the game the Ambassadors will meet with the referees to brief them on what pranks to expect.

Besides players, corporate sponsors and other volunteers are needed in other areas.

"We could really use uniforms," Stallard said.

Anyone with a set of basketball team jerseys is encouraged to step up. The jerseys can be any colors except black or dark red, which are the Ambassadors' colors. Light colored jerseys are preferred.

Also, if there is a local hotel or motel that would care to make a donation in terms of accommodations for the team, Stallard said, their generosity would be duly recognized in the game programs. The same goes for any local transportation company that wishes to contribute by getting the team from place to place.

Donations of sports drinks, juices, water and tissues are also being sought.

Corporate sponsors with nothing to offer but money are also welcome, and will all get recognition in the game program. Individuals with time to give to the effort are also needed to handle various duties at the game.

Ticket information

Advance tickets are now on sale to see the Harlem Ambassadors at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Gulf Middle School, 6419 Louisiana Ave., New Port Richey.

Advance tickets are $5 for K-12 students, $6 for seniors and $8 for adults. Tickets are available at the Gulf Middle school front office or by calling the Women's Resource Center of Tampa Bay's director, Susan Stallard, at 727-326-5320.

Tickets at the door will be $6 for students, $7 for seniors and $10 for other adults.

Klint Lowry can be reached at 727-815-1067 or at klowry@suncoastnews.com.

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