November 21, 2008

Guests: John Gaffney with Erin Kelly, Sarah Kelly, Da'Shawne Smiley and Sam Kouri: Students of St. Theresa's Catholic School in West Des Moines
Featured Saint of the Day: Feast of the Presentation of Mary

Today Deacon Rick and Jenny spoke with Erin Kelly, Sarah Kelly, Da'Shawne Smiley and Sam Kouri, sixth graders at St. Theresa's Catholic School. These students wanted to share the news of an exciting event: the 6th Grade Charity Basketball Tournament. This is the events 10th Anniversary. The event begins tonight at 5:30 with the first round of basketball games. The tournament continues on Saturday from 7am-5pm. The Championship will be played on Sunday starting at 1pm-5pm.

The sixth grade class at St. Theresa's planned and orchestrated the entire event. It started when they went to the St. Francis Service Fair where twenty-seven different non-profit organizations gathered to give information to the kids. The sixth graders of St. Theresa's narrowed their choices of who to benefit with this event down to the Salvation Army and the Mircale League. Through a class vote, that first resulted in a tie, they decided to give the proceeds of this event to the Salvation Army. Some of the things these students like about the Salvation Army were that htey helped all age groups as well as helping people in many different aspects of care.

The sixth graders will be running this event. The basketball tournament will be between ten different schools. The sixth grad basketball teams will be participating as well as some junior high teams. At the event there will be a concession stand with food provided by the families of the sixth grade class, including three gallons of chile from the Drake Diner. There will also be a raffle for things like gift cards and sporting tickets. In other rooms around the gym there will be games and crafts for the kids that aren't as interested in basketball, including a Wii game room. The sixth graders also designed a t-shirt that is on sale for $15. There will be a $5 entry fee to the event, but you can also buy a weekend pass for your family. There will be Salvation Army Kettles at the event as well as after all the Masses at St. Theresa's this weekend. Park near the jungle gym on the play ground.