01 April 2016

(April 1, 2016) MODESTO, CA:  Swapping his suit for a jersey, United States Congressman Jeff Denham will lead a team San Joaquin Valley elected officials and public servants in a basketball showdown against an all-star youth team from The Salvation Army’s Modesto Red Shield Center.  In addition to bragging rights, the teams will compete to save the community center’s ailing swimming pool.

The charity basketball game, hosted by Community Action Coalition of Stanislaus County, will take place on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at The Salvation Army Red Shield Center (1649 Las Vegas Street in Modesto). Tours of the center will begin at 4:00pm, and game -related festivities will begin at 5:30pm.  Admission is free (first come, first served until capacity is reached); snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. In addition, kids can participate in a free photo booth and other center activities.  A special halftime show will be provided by the Modesto Red Shield Center youth and staff.

"I’m looking forward to Thursday’s game and facing off against some talented basketball players,” said Congressman Denham.   “More importantly I hope to see our efforts benefit Modesto families and ensure that the nearby children can continue to enjoy the Red Shield pool during hot summer months."

Community leaders participating in the charity event include U.S. Congressman Jeff Denham,  Assemblymember Adam Gray, Stanislaus County Supervisor Terry Withrow, Merced County Supervisor Daron McDaniel, Modesto City Councilmember Mani Grewal, Phil Waterford of Manteca Ford, Jeremiah Williams, Modesto Junior College Women’s Basketball Team Coach Mike Giraldi (coaching the youth team), and Modesto Mayor Ted Brandvold (officiating the coin toss).

Proceeds from the game benefit the The Salvation Army Red Shield Center swimming pool renovation effort.  The 3578 square foot pool, which has helped Modesto children escape the summer heat since 1970, serves as a safe alternative to swimming in irrigation canals and provides swim lessons to children of all ages.  The aging pool – the only pool in South Modesto that is accessible financially and geographically -- is facing $235,000 in mandatory renovations before it can open for the 2016 season.  

“The swimming pool has been the heart of The Red Shield Center for decades, providing two generations of underserved kids a safe place to cool off during the summer,” said Lt. Quinton Markham, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army Modesto Red Shield Center.  “We’re hopeful this event and additional community support will help us reopen the pool in time for summer and keep it open for many summers to come.”

For more information about the charity basketball game, contact Jeremiah at (209) 568-3096.  Donations for the Modesto Red Shield Pool renovation effort can be made at http://bit.ly/1VVyaCA.

 

About The Modesto Red Shield Center
The Salvation Army 46 years, The Modesto Red Shield Center has provided the poorest families in South Modesto a safe haven for their children to experience childhood as it should be: physical fitness, organized sports, tutoring and mentoring, a nutritious meal, music lessons and swimming. All in an environment that is safe and offered by trained, caring staff and volunteers and run by an organization synonymous with trust:  The Salvation Army.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been supporting those in need without discrimination for more than 135 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.