ESP (Extra Special People) presents the inaugural Big Hoops fundraiser, where doctors and lawyers of Rome will star in an epic battle on Friday, March 31, in a matchup ESP is calling "Jawbones versus Sawbones." Coaches and referees for the game will be local celebrities, including Darlington's own Head of School Brent Bell and Learning Specialist Justin Bruce, with special appearances from ESP participants in the halftime show.
The Big Hoops basketball game will be held at Darlington's Huffman Athletic Center with tip off at 6:30 p.m. on March 31. The community is invited to attend and experience Rome's first signature ESP fundraising event. The non-profit's goal for Big Hoops is to raise critical funds to provide essential ESP programming for participants and their families throughout the year.
"ESP has become an essential part of the Rome community by providing after-school programs, weekend events, employment training and summer camp, and is providing much-needed respite for the participants' families and caregivers," said ESP Rome Leadership Annual Giving Officer Devon Smyth.
"I spent three years working for ESP Athens as a college student, and it helped shape me into the man I am today," remarked doctors' team member Andrew Teare-Ketter. "I want to do everything I can to support ESP Rome and this community! Through ESP, I have made lifelong friends, met my wife and now will start my journey to the NBA."
Darlington's fourth-grade class will be supporting ESP by hosting a lemonade stand at the event.
To purchase tickets to attend, purchase sponsorships and sign up to volunteer, click here.
About Extra Special People
Extra Special People Inc. (ESP) is a non-profit serving families and their children with disabilities since 1986. ESP exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. With an ever-expanding after-school program, weekend clubs, an eight-week long summer camp, and family resources, ESP now serves more than 900 families.
Doctors' Team Members:
Paul Brock ('74), Honorary Coach
Brad Bushnell, Announcer
Josh Donner
Dave Hardwick
Paul Holcombe
Lacey Johnson
Kristin Leezer
Charlie May
Michael Paxten
Darien Smith
Frank Stegall ('02, LD '22)
Andrew Teare-Ketter
Alex Whitaker Lea
Robbie Williams
John-Scott Carroll
Charlie Baggett
Jarrad Barber
Dan Phillips
Jon Molnar
Rob King
Lawyers' Team Members:
Bob Berry ('64), Coach
Chris Twyman, Announcer
Stephen Moseley
Scott Smith
Emily (Griffin) Johnson ('02, LD '20)
Jason Sanker
Lee Carter
Sam Lucas ('97, LD '13)
John Hawkins
Ben Stell
Jordan Knight ('98)
Emily Matson
Madison Wigley
Malik Howard
Brian Bojo
Caleb Ratliff
Trey Newton
Lee Niedrach ('05)
Alicia (Lanier) Middleton ('03)
