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.
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.
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.
“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.