Special to The Mississippi Link
JACKSON, Miss. – Get ready to strap on those sneakers, perform a few warm-up exercises, and hit the court because we are shooting hoops for a great cause! The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation is teaming up with Radio Station WJMI – 99.7 and the City of Jackson Parks and Recreation Department for the Officer Dewayne Collier Benefit Basketball Tournament on Sept. 27 at Jackson State University’s T.B. Ellis Gymnasium (located on Dalton Street). Games start at 3 p.m. Teams will play a series of games to qualify for the championship, all while raising money to help a needy family.
On July 7, 2008, a man, sworn to protect his community, risked his life while in the line of duty. Officer Dewayne Collier, 37, was responding to an armed robbery call on Highway 80 when three bullets pierced his head and stomach nearly killing him. Officer Collier was immediately rushed to the University Medical Center, where he stayed five weeks, undergoing numerous surgeries and procedures. Collier is recovering at home. However, hospital bills and the time his wife and three children went without his income are taking a huge toll on the family. That’s why the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation is coordinating this event to help the Collier family overcome their financial burdens.
“We know how troublesome it can be for any family to deal with a near-death experience while struggling to survive,” says Kelli Sharpe, director of community and economic development for the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation. “Officer Collier was doing his job, serving and protecting the citizens of Jackson. Why should he and his family suffer because he was doing the right thing… the most honorable thing,” asks Sharpe. “This event is just a small token of our appreciation for Officer Collier and his family. He is dear to the hearts of the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation as a former Precinct Three Officer.”
The Officer Dewayne Collier Benefit Basketball Tournament will also feature entertainment from several local Hip Hop artists and other dance and song groups from around the Metro area. In addition, vendors, both commercial and informational, will set-up tables during the tournament, selling food and drink items as well as offering vital health information. For more information or to schedule interviews, please call Jackson Medical Mall Foundation Public Relations Manager Zakiya Summers at (601) 982-8467.
Click HERE for flyer.
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