Chirstmas Cheer

With the help of Wells Fargo Bank and the Sacramento Kings, some Christmas cheer arrived a little early for children of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) this year. On December 23, 2012, 42 families enjoyed lunch and received tickets to see the Sacramento Kings play the Portland Trailblazers at Power Balance Pavilion. However, there was one extra surprise waiting for the children.

At half-time, staff escorted 101 children in attendance from SFBFS to center court and presented each child with a brand new bike and helmet as a gift. Parents and children beamed with joy at the site of their brand new wheels.
The yuletide extravaganza was made possible through a partnership between Wells Fargo Bank and the Sacramento Kings as a part of the NBA Cares: Season of Giving campaign, which works with non-profit organizations nationwide to brighten the holiday season for those in need.

Many others also helped organize the festivities; Coordination of the event was provided by 50 staff members volunteering from Wells Fargo, members of the Sacramento Kings Community Relations team and staff members from SFBFS. Lunch prior to the game was supplied and catered by Pizza Guys. Last but certainly not least, bikes for the event were purchased and assembled at Walmart in West Sacramento. Thanks, everyone!

Area President for Wells Fargo, Kevin Barri, was pleased to speak on behalf of the efforts made by their exceptional partnership with the Sacramento Kings.

“The event was a fun way to give back to the community and help the children have a better holiday,” Barri said. “It’s so great to see all of the kids excited and happy.”

All of the holiday good-will and energy from the families at the game culminated into an at-home win by the Sacramento Kings that evening. While the Kings took home bragging rights for breaking Portland’s five-game winning streak, 101 smiling youngsters took home a brand new bike. A perfect way to end an excellent holiday event.

Submitted by Matthew Pruitt, AmeriCorps VISTA