Xplosion and Salvation Army team up
November 22, 2005 - American Basketball Association (ABA)
Pittsburgh Xplosion News Release
Pittsburgh, PA. For many children, Christmas can be a time of lost dreams and desparate wishes. Each year, the Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Division works hard to make the holidays happy for more than 75,000 needy kids. Through its "Treasures for Children" program, donors choose an individual child named on a special tag and personally shop for a toy. But, some of those toy tags are never "adopted" leaving the social service organization scrambling for gifts at the last minute. But, thanks to the generosity of a newly created professional sports team, children get their wishes and The Salvation Army can rest a bit easier.
On Wednesday, November 30th at the Mellon Arena, the Pittsburgh Xplosion, the city's new ABA basketball teamn will face the Detroit Wheels in a special home game that will benefit The Salvation Army. All fans bringing a new toy to this "Xciting" game will receive a $5.00 discount on tickets purchased at the Box Office that evening. The Xplosion is also providing needy children and families from the Salvation Army with 250 tickets to that night's game. As an added bonus, The Xplosion will formally recognize The Salvation Army during halftime ceremonies. The Xplosion's Salvation Army Night game against the Detroit team tips off at 7pm. Ticket prices start at just $12.50 before the $5.00 discount is applied.
"The Pittsburgh Xplosion is thrilled to team up with The Salvation Army for this special game," said Freddie Lewis, owner and General Manager. "As the city's new pro basketball team, we are supporting their winning efforts to lend a helping hand to families and children during the holiday season and all year long. This will be a "win-win" for anyone who has a heart for basketball and kids."
The Salvation Army's "Treasures for Children" program faces a unique challenge annually. "Often, donors do not choose tags with older boys' names," said Major Lynette Reel, the Western Pennsylvania's Associate Divisional Commander and Treasure's Coordinator. "When these tags aren't selected, we have to shop specifically for things like computer games, sporting equipment and other items that may interest a young man. We're hoping that this event with the Pittsburgh Xplosion will help to specifically bridge that gap."
To help publicize "Treasures for Children" and the November 30th game, Freddie Lewis and other team members will meet fans at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills' food court on Monday, November 28th at 12noon. Clear Channel's 3WS Radio is hosting a week-long live radio remote from Pittsburgh Mills, featuring guests that support The Salvation Army's efforts. The Pittsburgh Xplosion features former NBA players Armon Gillam and Myron Brown, plus other talented players with NCAA and professional basketball experience in leagues around the world. For more information on the Pittsburgh Xplosion, visit www.pittsburghxplosion.com or www.abalive.com.
Note: OurSports Central no longer actively covers the American Basketball Association (ABA) as a professional league due in part to its inability to publish and play a schedule and the transitory nature of many of its teams. For information on professional minor leagues, please see OSC's basketball section.
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