Hundreds Cheer for Wizards — And a Sparrow
Hundreds of people filled the Summit High School gym in Bend Thursday night to watch the Harlem Wizards take on a handful of middle school teachers and students.
It was no contest, of course — but a lovefest.
The event was also a special night, and a Bend teen, K.K., as his friends and family call him, was the guest of honor.
He battles cerebral palsy, and has become Cascade Middle School’s’ ‘Sparrow,’ the might was a way for the community to raise money for him and his family.
“To see all these kids coming together for one student it’s just been amazing and it’s really great to see,” said the school’s librarian, Amy Wilde. “It really establishes a community.”
Doors for the event were, opened at 6 — and within an hour, the gym had filled to near capacity.
“I was overwhelmed,” said K.K., “I guess I didn’t expect that many people to come.”
“It’s phenomenal,” said Heather Miller, K.K.’s mother, “When you just walk in there, it’s just like — oh my God, I can’t believe it.”
Since becoming their Sparrow, the school and community have raised thousands of dollars. They’ve brought K.K. a powered scooter so he can now enjoy the park with his family near his home.
“There is no way we could have done it with their help,” said Miller, “so it’s really blessed our family.”
With help from the community, the Bend teen will now be able to get the help he needs.
This summer, he plans to have surgery. and with the money raised Thursday night, his family will finally be able to pay for it.
“I want to say thank you,” said K.K., “to all the kids and students from Cascade Middle School and all the other schools. I want to say thank you to the Harlem Wizards, who came to help.”
Thursday night’s event was expected to raise $2,000, but with a packed crowd on hand, organizers reported Friday they actually raised three times as much as their goal, about $6,000.
To learn more about K.K. and the Sparrow Clubs, visit his page at this Website.
And to learn more about the Harlem Wizards, visit their Website.
