For the Surge's final home game, they welcomed three special girls, plus free food for 500

Jaci, Ariana and Ashley had a great time.

UPDATE: Three young ladies from Rainbows for Kids got to spend the evening with the St. Louis Surge Women’s Basketball Team. They arrived early to meet the team and then they got to sit right behind the bench. It was a lot of fun. How did it happen? Read the story below.

Original Story:

The St. Louis Surge plan to end their season on a high note by showing the love they have for their fans with free tailgate food for Fan Appreciation Night and some very special guests. On Saturday they will host three teenaged girls who are facing cancer or the repercussions of it, as it is also Rainbows for Kids Night at the Surge.

Before the game they will host Ariana Scoggins, Ashley Garlick and Jamazia Griffin who goes by Jaci (“Jazzy”); showing the girls around and letting them hang around during practice. Jaci is in a wheelchair due to her cancer, Ashley has a prosthetic leg, and Angela is dealing with her cancer as it has come back.

These three girls are always smiling and they are always concerned for others. Ariana and Jaci are pictured, above, with Rainbows for Kids volunteer Mike Rains at a recent event.

“I am very excited for the Surge to host these three inspiring young ladies to see what is possible,” said Khalia Collier, owner of the Surge (shown in the photo, left with Ashley and Jaci in the face paint the team provided. “Not only is great for them to see our incredible players but for our players to meet them as well and be motivated by their determination and positive attitude!”

Ariana’s mother Angela Scoggins is also excited.

“This opportunity for Ariana to meet these amazing ladies is awesome.”

The game will be the final time in 2019, the St. Louis Surge will take to the hardwood of the Washington University Field House—their home court. The Surge welcomes the Chicago Breeze.

Collier thinks the experience of meeting the players will be empowering for the girls.

“Seeing Surge players in action is empowering for not only young girls and boys but for all,” she said. “The Surge brand represents our community and creates an atmosphere of positivity and electric energy surging on and off the court. Beyond the game, the Surge is redefining winning through community engagement, leadership, and education.”

Jaci’s mother, Corvenia Griffin, thinks getting the chance to meet the players will be a great opportunity for the girls.

“I think it is going to be an inspiring and wonderful experience for Jaci to meet and hang out with a great basketball team,” she said.

Saturday is a special day for the Surge as they are hosting a huge “Tailgate” with the first 350 fans arriving getting free food. It is also Rainbows for Kids Night at the Surge as the team is helping Rainbows for Kids raise money for a wheel chair accessible swing set at Watson Trails Park.

“It’s pretty amazing to provide an opportunity for the Surge players to give back to girls that think the world of them, but it is also mutually beneficial to see the strong incredible kids who have overcome challenges and their will to fight is beyond motivating and inspiring,” said Collier.

Saturday is the Surge’s Fan Appreciation Night. Doors will open at 5:00 pm, but the Surge have a special treat in honor of the final home game. From 4:30 until 6:00 pm, WashU will be hosting a free tailgate outside the Field House, where the first 500 Surge fans will receive free corn dogs and hot dogs.

Michala Johnson, the operations manager for the St. Louis Surge (shown with Ashley, Ariana and Jaci) is responsible for a lot of the game-day operations, and when she found out about the special guests she was excited.

“I am looking forward to meeting the three young ladies because they are all an inspiration to my everyday life,” she said. “They inspire me to never give up and to always keep a smile on my face at all times.”

She said she thinks it will be beneficial to Ashley, Jaci, and Ariana to meet the Surge players.

“Not only are the young ladies inspiring the players to keep playing hard on the court, the players are inspiring them to keep fighting through their battle of cancer and other adversities they may face.”

They face many adversities with their cancer, but the one thing about them is they are strong and optimistic. Others learn from them.

“Ariana is truly a bright light and through any turmoil that she has been through, she is still kind and knows no stranger,” said Angela Scoggins. “Brain cancer will not change her.”

After the game, the Surge players will give fans the opportunity to meet the players and get autographs.

There will be an informational table for Rainbows for Kids as well as a donation jar for any who would like to donate to their project of building a wheel chair accessible playground at Watson Trails Park. Brittany Carter, who has played for the Surge in several different years started “Brittany Carter’s Points for a Purpose” in hopes of getting fans to donate.

This is not the first time the Surge has gotten involved in the community.

“This is my first year officially as a St. Louis resident and I find myself helping out in the community by working with many children in the St. Louis city,” said Johnson. “I have worked with young teens by teaching them how to be leaders in their community while valuing their education. I really enjoy being able to do that.”

Tickets for Fan Appreciation Night are available for purchase here and at the door. Directions and parking instructions can be found here.