ESP (Extra Special People) presents the second-annual Big Hoops fundraiser, where educators and entrepreneurs of Rome will star in an epic battle on Friday, April 5. Coaches, referees, and players for the game will be local celebrities, including several Darlington alumni, parents, and faculty members, with special appearances from ESP participants in the halftime show.
The Big Hoops basketball game will be held at Darlington's Huffman Athletic Center with tip off at 7 p.m. on April 5. The community is invited to attend and experience Rome's first signature ESP fundraising event. The non-profit's goal for Big Hoops is to raise critical funds to provide essential ESP programming for participants and their families throughout the year.
"ESP Rome provides celebratory programming for people with disabilities and their families and we believe that is changing our community for the better," said Jill Fisher, ESP Rome development coordinator. "Big Hoops is a special event that the whole community can enjoy while benefiting a population that is often overlooked and underserved. We invite anyone who would like to become more involved with ESP Rome, whether as a participant, a volunteer or a community supporter to please visit our website or contact me. It is these impactful connections that help ESP Rome create an inclusive, safe, and fun environment for people of all abilities."
Darlington's fourth-grade class will be supporting ESP by hosting a lemonade stand at the event.
To purchase tickets to attend or donate to a player, click here.
About Extra Special People
Extra Special People Inc. (ESP) is a non-profit serving families and their children with disabilities since 1986. ESP exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. With an ever-expanding after-school program, weekend clubs, an eight-week long summer camp, and family resources, ESP now serves more than 900 families.
Educators' Team Members:
Brent Bell, Coach, Darlington Head of School
Sally Echols, Coach
Cordell Harris, ESP Participant Coach
Anthony Banks
Dawson Wehunt
Chris Eberhart, Darlington middle grades math teacher, parent
Terar Everhart ('13, LD '23), Darlington Upper School administrative assistant, parent
Lindsey Fox
Wayne Groves, Darlington Head Football Coach
Courtney Hampton
Eric Holland
Lisa Jellum
Gary Jones
Hannah Nabors
Davy Fisher
Trevor Ehrenheim
Katie Stout ('09)
Nathan West, Darlington Assistant Athletic Director/Head Boys' Basketball Coach, parent
Entrepreneurs' Team Members:
JT Watters ('97), Coach, Darlington parent
Chantz McClinic ('04, LD '14), Coach
Thomas Chestnut, ESP Participant Coach
Ballard Betz ('96, LD '19)
Sarah Collins Moore
Mike Dean, Darlington parent
Gaines Dempsey ('94, LD '22), Darlington parent
Keara Leonard ('16)
Mark Fisher
Ryan Fox ('01, LD '17)
Sawyer Hicks ('15)
Heath Hooper
JJ Johnson, Darlington parent
Bob Ledbetter III ('16)
Quincy Pilgrim, Darlington parent
David Rutland
Derek Taylor, Darlington parent
Leigh Weldon
