TLC Center sets Donkey Ball fundraiser game for Saturday

Published 4:40 pm Monday, February 27, 2017

Star File Photo
While players can move around the court while dismounted, they must be riding their donkey to be eligible to score a point.

This weekend two teams of athletes will take to the basketball court to help raise funds for a local community service agency, but these aren’t your typical players.
When the teams take the court on Saturday, they will be riding donkeys. Donkey Ball is returning to Elizabethton.
On Saturday, March 4, at 7 p.m. at Hunter Elementary School, players of both the two-legged and four-legged variety will take to the court to try to score points for their team. The unique tournament will serve as a fundraiser for the TLC Community Center.
“It’s just a great night of family fun,” said TLC Community Center Director Angie Odom.
For the past couple of years, the TLC Community Center has hosted a Donkey Ball game as a means of raising funds to support the center’s programs. These games were once a popular fundraising event, as volunteer fire departments, churches, and other organizations would hold games.
Last year’s event raised $3,204 for the TLC Center. After paying for $350 in expenses to cover the cost of putting the event together, the Center cleared $2,874 to fund its programs.
This game is being coordinated by Bar H Events, which is based in Boiling Springs, N.C., and owned by Thurston Hamrick.
While over the years, some have expressed concern for the donkeys, Odom said Hamrick specially trains his donkeys to be ridden and to take part in these games.
“The animals are not harmed,” Odom said. “They are beloved pets. The donkeys are very well treated. He does this as a way to help him feed and keep his donkeys.”
One of the things that makes the games so popular is how entertaining the antics of the players are, especially the four-legged team members.
“It’s funny watching the men attempting to ride the donkeys because the donkeys have a mind of their own,” Odom said.
Two-legged team members can move up and down the court on their own feet while leading their four-legged partner around by the reins. However, to be eligible to score, the player must be sitting astride his donkey when he throws the ball toward the hoop.
Also, Odom said a special surprise is planned for the final quarter of the game.
“There will be an extra surprise team member of the animal variety that will be added to the team that is ahead near the end of the game,” she said.
Last year, a team representing Food City captured the victory and won the tournament. Food City has put together another team this year and will be returning to action to defend their title.
“We have a variety group we’ve put together to take on Food City,” Odom said. “We would like to challenge our political leaders to come out and take part in the game to support our Center.”
Last year’s game saw a standing-room-only crowd fill the gymnasium at Hunter Elementary. Odom said she anticipates a large crowd again this year and she recommends spectators arrive early to make sure they get a good seat for the action.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. at Hunter Elementary with the game starting at 7 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children with kids age 3 and under getting in free. At half-time, children will be able to ride the donkeys for a $1 donation. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the TLC Community Center and its programs.
Odom said concessions will be available for purchase including drinks, snacks, hot dogs, and pizza.

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