Harlem Globetrotters Host Sugar Refinery Fundraiser

TyRone "Hollywood" Brown, a Savannah native and eleven year veteran of the Harlem Globetrotters, has rallied the support of Hall of Famer, the great Meadow Lark Lemon, three additional Savannah natives and Globetrotter legends: Larry “Gator” Rivers, Matt “Showbiz” Jackson and Bruce “Sugar Bear” Capers, and other Globetrotters to perform in an unprecedented one night only basketball fundraiser on Sunday, July 27, 2008 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Savannah Civic Center. “This tragedy has affected everyone in Port Wentworth, Savannah and surrounding areas,” says TyRone Brown. “We wanted to do something that will not only raise money and honor our brave firefighters; but will hopefully, after such devastation, uplift the community.”  

It has been described as the 9/11 of Savannah and the Coastal Empire. If a family member wasn’t directly affected by it, a neighbor, or a friend of a neighbor was affected. The major explosion at the Imperial Sugar Refinery plant left many dead and still more fighting for their lives at regional burn centers. There is a compelling opportunity to not only raise funds for the victims; but to honor the emergency medical technicians and firefighters who bravely fought the inferno for days on end. In partnership with the Savannah Chamber of Commerce and United Way, the legends of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters are working to make a difference.  

“This (event) is a continuation of the service that we provided to the Refinery during the initial stages of the tragedy. Now we are expanding our services beyond that,” says Charles G. Middleton, Fire Chief of Savannah Fire and Emergency Services. “As the community and victims continue to heal, we are right there to support them wherever necessary.”   

The fundraiser is unique in that the Globetrotters will play against local personalities/ celebrities, clergymen and even some of the firefighters; therefore, those in attendance will see their hometown favorites take to the courts with the legendary Meadowlark Lemon and team. Meadowlark Lemon stated, “I’m very happy to be a part of this important event. I want to give back to a community that has always given to me throughout my years of touring the Country. It will feel good to be back in Savannah for such a great cause.” 

Even for those who have already made personal donations to this cause, this is an opportunity to enjoy a once in a lifetime family oriented and fun-filled event for the entire Savannah/Coastal Empire community. Tickets are on sale at the Savannah Civic Center box office. Adult tickets are $20.00 each; $10.00 for children 12 and under and children 2 and are admitted free. Proceeds from this event will go to United Way for this charity.
           
“It’s a blessing to help raise money for the victims and to just thank those firefighters and emergency medical technicians who worked so hard and saved so many lives”, says Larry “Gator” Rivers, Globetrotter and Savannah native. “I believe that all of Savannah will come out to have a good time and show their support. That’s just the kind of neighbors that we are.”
             
For more information or to purchase tickets call 912-651-6556 or go online at www.savannahcivic.com or www.etix.com.