The Paducah Downtown Kiwanis hosted a fundraiser on February 1st in partnership with the Harlem Ambassadors. The Harlem Ambassadors are a high flying, slam dunking, three point shooting, team focused on family fun. The event was a huge success and the Kiwanis group was able to raise over $4,500 to give back to the community. Coach Winston Bennett led the Paducah All-Star team with members including WPSD’s Scott McGee, Electric 96.9’s AJ Martin, and Principals Steve Ybarzabal (Clark Elem) & Michael Ceglinksi (McCracken High).
Paducah Tilghman’s historic Otis Dinning Gymnasium was home for the event, with over 800 in attendance. “The mission of the Kiwanis organization was amplified when all of the kids in attendance were on the floor dancing with the players from both the Harlem Ambassadors and the Paducah All Star team,” stated Mason DeJarnett, game organizer. Welcomed guests of the Paducah All Star team included the Mid-Continent men and women basketball teams, along with over 30 kids from the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club of Paducah.
The Paducah Downtown Kiwanis chose the Ronald McDonald House Charities to be the main recipient of the funds raised. Ronald McDonald House Charities local coordinator Cathy Elliott says she was overwhelmed by the support from the community. “We are very appreciative for all of the time, energy, and talent that was put into making this event a success” stated Elliott.
Proceeds from the game were also given to the Paducah Day Nursery, and applied towards the Paducah Downtown Kiwanis Scholarship Fund. The Kiwanis mission is to serve the children of the world. In 2012, the Paducah Downtown Kiwanis group was able to donate over $36,000 towards the children of the community including $12,000 in scholarships for high school seniors in McCracken County.
The Kiwanis club would like to thank Paducah Bank, Peel & Holland, Mid Continent University, Electric 96.9, 93.3 WKYQ, WPSD-TV Local 6, and The Paducah Sun for their sponsorship of the event. Paducah Downtown Kiwanis Vice President John Oliver added, “
This event has given me a renewed since of pride in my community. Everyone jumped in and gave their best to make this a success. We are especially appreciative of the sponsors who worked diligently in supporting this event.”
