NBA's Vince Carter aboard as Thunder sponsor
September 27, 2005 - American Indoor Football Association (AIFA)
Daytona Beach Thunder News Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - NBA Superstar Vince Carter has joined the Daytona Beach Thunder as one of its primary sponsors for the 2006 season, the American Indoor Football League expansion team announced today.
Carter's Embassy of Hope Foundation will distribute 20 tickets to Daytona Beach area children at each of the Thunder's seven regular season home games as well as playoffs. In addition, Carter will auction off an autographed jersey.
"We are very, very excited to be associated with a class act such as Vince Carter," said Thunder Head Coach Ervin Bryson. "Vince has stayed close to the community and wants to make a difference."
A product of Daytona Beach's Mainland High School, Carter, now with the New Jersey Nets, established The Embassy of Hope Foundation in 1998 to help address the needs of children and their parents. The foundation's slogan, "Believing in Your Dreams," represents his lifelong commitment to perseverance and achievement- qualities that have enabled him to excel as an athlete and as a person committed to helping those less fortunate. In addition to donating funds to worthwhile organizations and the "Believing in Your Dreams" Scholarship, he makes numerous appearances throughout the year on behalf on the foundation.
"We are committed to putting a first-class operation both on the field and in the community," said Thunder CEO Zack McDonald. "We are pleased that Vince Carter shares our vision."
Thunder wide receiver/defensive back Joe Giddens grew up alongside Carter and was his teammate at Mainland. Carter would come back to visit Giddens at Bethune-Cookman College and would run pass routes on the school's practice field.
"He'd make a pretty good receiver," Giddens said of Carter. "We should print up a number 15 jersey [Carter's NBA number] just in case."
Locally owned and operated by Zack McDonald, Kevin McDonald and Jay Burton, the Thunder is committed to providing first-class, family-oriented sports entertainment while serving its community in a professional manner. For more information, contact (386) 423-0560 or visit www.daytonabeachthunder.com.
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American Indoor Football Association Stories from September 27, 2005
- Thunder announce tryouts and open house - Daytona Beach Thunder
- NBA's Vince Carter aboard as Thunder sponsor - Daytona Beach Thunder
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