BOISE, IDAHO, Oct. 26, 2017 — The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their high-flying basketball wizardry to Boise in November, and they’re dishing out a big assist to the American Red Cross along the way.
The Globetrotters will entertain fans with their blend of athleticism and comedy at CenturyLink Arena at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 and will support Red Cross disaster-relief efforts throughout the evening.
In a two-year partnership, the Globetrotters have named Red Cross as their official charity, forming The Great Assist initiative and helping communities across the country prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters big and small.
On average, the American Red Cross responds to 66,000 emergencies each year, providing shelter, food, emotional support and health services to people in need. Since July, the Red Cross of Montana and Greater Idaho has deployed more than 70 volunteers and staffers across the country to provide wildfire relief in Montana and California and help those impacted by hurricanes in places like Texas, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“We’re honored to join forces with the Harlem Globetrotters in Boise through our disaster response efforts,” said Nicole Sirak Irwin, regional Red Cross CEO of Idaho and Montana. “The fun and interactive way the team engages with the community will help to build greater awareness around our mission and the critical need to help people impacted by disaster every day.”
The Globetrotters feature a roster brimming with entertaining stars including “Buckets” Blakes, “Big Easy” Lofton, “Scooter” Christensen and “Jumpin’ Joe” Ballard and are known worldwide as Ambassadors of Goodwill. Every year the Globetrotters travel to hundreds of schools, children’s hospitals and overseas military bases, bringing people together by breaking down cultural and societal barriers with acts of kindness.
Fans might even have a chance to join Globetrotter stars after the game for autographs, photos and high-fives.
“This partnership brings two great American organizations together in order to achieve a common goal – to help people in need and to put smiles on people’s faces,” said Howard Smith, Globetrotters president. “We look forward to helping the Red Cross achieve their goals by incorporating their messaging into everything we do on and off the court.”
For ticket information or to learn more about the Globetrotters, visit harlemglobetrotters.com.
To take part in The Great Assist initiative and make a $10 donation to Red Cross disaster relief efforts, text ASSIST to 90999. Visit redcross.org/Idaho to learn more about the organization, become a volunteer or make a donation. To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or facebook.com/redcrossidaho.
Text Disclaimer: $10.00 donation to American Red Cross. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP. Full terms and privacy policy: redcross.org/m.
About the Harlem Globetrotters: The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 90 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. The American Red Cross is the official charity of the Harlem Globetrotters. Sponsored by Entenmann’s Donuts ®, Ticket Galaxy and Baden Sports, Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.