49ers Score Big with Abilities United Clients

John Paye, former 49'r football player and Stanford quarterback, and a father of a developmentally disabled child made it possible for Abilities United clients to fulfill a lifetime dream... play ball with the San Francisco 49'rs. On April 28, the clients joined the pros at the 49'r versus San Mateo County Firefighters Basketball Charity Game, at Abilities Unitedlmont High School in Belmont.

Hundreds of faces in the crowd were green with envy when ten Abilities United clients (from Adult Day Activities., Employment Services, Oakley House, and After School Socialization) donned authentic 49'r football jerseys, sat on the bench with the 49'r players, and joined the ball players on center court for introductions. And the game just kept getting better...the clients stole the show!

With each foul by the opposing team, a client enthusiastically leapt from the bench to shoot the free throw. Adult Day Activities. client, Peter Untch, sank two baskets and celebrated with a crowd pleasing but modest smile. The 1,500 49'r fans roared with approval.

Employment Services client, Claudia Ruehl, maximized her petite 4' 8" stature to add another free throw point to the 49'r score. As the crowd delighted in her talent, Claudia high-fived a 49'r like she scored for the team everyday.

Then Mike McGraff, a new After School Socialization client, had his chance at a free throw and ample time to clown around with the 49'rs. The crowd was in stitches as the players lifted the 11-year-old to their shoulders to help him sink a basket. When that effort failed, team members joined in by readying at the hoop to spike Mike's shot into the basket.

No greater camaraderie or fun had ever been seen on a basketball court. And when the final buzzer marked the end of the game, not only did the Abilities United clients and staff have a wonderful time at this game, but the San Mateo crowd had a unique opportunity to learn about Abilities United and our clients. To top all the fun off, John Paye presented Abilities United with a proceeds check of over $12,000. Now that's a slam-dunk!

Special thanks to John Paye for inviting Abilities United to be the benefactors of the basketball charity event. Look for Abilities United at the 49'r Basketball Charity Event in San Mateo in April 2003!

top

back to News