Bethlehem Temple Charity Basketball Event a ‘Slam Dunk’
Emma Delk Trending
Local leaders and celebrities, from a West Virginia House of Delegates member to a superintendent, faced off on the court for a good cause during the Bethlehem Apostolic Temple's charity basketball event.
Bishop Darrell Cummings hosted the charity match at the Highlands Sports Complex on Sunday to raise money for the church's annual Thanksgiving food basket giveaway.
"Our goal tonight was to raise several thousand for the basketball giveaway," Cummings said on Sunday. "We had a couple of players cancel, but we're making the best of what we got. If nothing else, we'll have played for a good cause today."
The Ohio Valley Lions faced off with Ohio Valley All-Stars in a shoot-off and then a game. Money was raised before the event through celebrities gathering sponsors to raise money, and donations were collected during the game.
Ohio Valley All-Stars player Shawn Fluharty, a West Virginia House of Delegates member, was not the most confident in his skills on the court before tip-off. Though this was his eighth year playing in the charity game, he joked that his "jump shots get worse every year."
"Even if my basketball skills don't necessarily prosper out here, the fundraising is what it's all about," Fluharty said. "My goal is simply not to twist an ankle while I'm out there."
Fluharty selected Dr. William Mercer, Project HOPE founder, as the most likely to be the team's MVP. Mercer was also confident in his skills, as he plays in a league at the YMCA on Monday nights.
"I can handle the pressure," Mercer said. "I played last year and dominated, so I'm trying to come back strong this year."
Apart from using the opportunity to show off his talents on the court, Mercer said he was inspired to play by Cummings's involvement in the community.
"I've known Darrell [Cummings] for years, and he gives so much to our community," Mercer said. "I've often asked myself, 'What would Darrell do?' when we have certain issues. Darrell is a class act, and I'm happy to be a part of a good cause tonight."
Union Local Schools Superintendent Zac Shutler was also inspired to play in the charity game by Cummings's involvement in the community. He noted that Belmont County residents also benefit from the Thanksgiving food basket giveaway.
"Anytime he [Cummings] needs some help raising funds for things like Thanksgiving or Christmas baskets, it's a no-brainer for the Union Local School District to help him out," Shutler said. "He [Cummings] always makes sure that people know the basket giveaway is not just for the Wheeling area, but anybody that can drive to his church to get help for the holidays."
Other Union Local representation on the court included Shutler's daughter, Leah Shutler, and the Union Local Schools Athletic Director, Nick Nardo.
"Cummings has always been a leader in the community, and there are many people in need in the Ohio Valley that he lends a hand," Shutler noted. "I thought it was important for my daughter to come up here and see the nice things communities do. She can also see a great role model in Cummings."
Celebrities were not only present on the court but also on the bench. Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder stepped up to coach the Ohio Valley All-Stars and toss the ball in the air for the tip-off.
"Darrell [Cummings] puts on a great event here, and I'm happy to help in any way," Magruder said. "I told him [Cummings] I can sweep the floor, collect donations -- anything to help. It's a great game for a good cause."
Cummings said he was honored to have Magruder at the game. He added he was glad to see local celebrities and leaders fill out the rosters for the match to help raise funds for the Thanksgiving food basket giveaway.
The giveaway will return on Nov. 23 at 11 a.m. at the North Wheeling Dream Community Dream Center. Those in need can pick up a Thanksgiving meal at the center.
"People are still hungry in the area and in need, so we will do everything we can to help them," Cummings said.