Talbert House Basketball Marathon

To prepare for the August 2, 2013 Talbert House Basketball Marathon,  there has been a lot of work.  The month before  Dad Perry  has prepared a  back yard basketball half-court to make us believe we are in a true tournament:  painted lines, a new hoop with a clear and tight backboard, and fresh blacktop without a crack.

There is a large sign, Talbert House, with   www.talberthouse.org  ,  so anyone can visit the site and see what they are doing for the homeless.  The young men took a field trip to the cite and had an informational meeting to better understand the needs of this section of our population.  Each participant promised to get at least 5 sponsors, $1 per hour(24 hours) to join.  Some got many more than that, of course.  Then Mr. Perry got donations of  items for a raffle, and raffle tickets were sold.  The raffle will be held later the end of the marathon.

Friday evening a lot of friends, parents, and neighbors came by for a grill out and to wish the players well.  A lot of partying was going on, but at the same time we could see that there would be basketball burnout with all the playing going on.  They would be very tired quickly, staying up so many hours.  Dads came by to play some ball during the early hours of the morning.

I am getting ready to visit from noon to two o'clock.  I look forward to cheering those young men on, even though I know it will be hard keeping spirits up after they have been at it for 20 hours.  Anyone want to come by and help lift their spirits???

In the long run, this is an experience I believe they will remember for a long time.  After all, it is the times we do for others, that give back to us the most....that we cherish the most, and hold highest in our own memory.
 After a long, long rest.

I just returned from a visit to the marathon scene.  The scene contrasted from last night in several ways, one was they were all tired, their shirts were muddy, "Did you roll in the mud?"  I asked.
"No,"  one player answered, "I just fell down a few times."

A math teacher, Mr. Hubbard, came by, at a moment when everyone was dragging, and brought red and green Powerades.  I saw Kevin and Pete just destoy those drinks.  In one gulp the entire drink was : GONE.  Then one parent brought lunch.  LaRosa donated pizza for everyone.  Even the sleepers in the house awoke to get their share of lunch.

I was not there when Panera bagels and muffins with cream cheese arrived for breakfast.  There was enough so that I got a delicious cinnamon muffin, though.

I stayed a few hours, watching them play Knockout, and even Mr. Hubbard played once.  It seems to me they have gained a lot in accuracy even since last night.  They have really become slower and more tired.  I bet we will all sleep hard!

Talbert House Basketball Marathon Players, clean shirts!