Winning Spirit Magazine November-December 2017 | Page 13

UTAH Hoops for the Community Jazz Participate in Rededication of Basketball Courts in Sugarhouse and Farmington T he Salt Lake City neighborhood known as Sugarhouse has been the home of a community basketball court for a number of years. Eventually, the court became rundown, which prompted a refurbishment project that involved new paint, an updated Jazz logo, and new backboards and nets. On September 11, the Utah Jazz, along with Subway restaurants, hosted a rededication ceremony that unveiled the refreshed court to the world. Funds were raised through donations from community members who purchased special “Starting 5 Collection” subs at Subway. The city of Farmington, Utah, north of Salt Lake City received a new court on October 11, featuring 5,600 square feet of playing surface, six hoops, and the Jazz logo in the center of the court. Funding was provided by Larry H. Miller Charities. ◆ Finding Home Court at Camp Sunshine The following letter recently came to our office: O ur thirteen-year-old daughter has Sickle Cell (SC) Disease Type SC. Through a series of fortunate events, we became acquainted with Camp Sunshine located in Casco, Maine. It is a retreat for children with life- threatening illnesses and their families with sessions held year-round . As soon as (our kids) took a run around Camp Sunshine, they complained, “They don’t even have a basketball court!” I told them that there was no way that this camp could be full of kids from NYC and not have a basketball court—so ASK. It wasn’t but a few minutes later that they all came running back and in excited and happy tones said that not only did they have a basketball court but that it was a Utah Jazz Basketball Court provided by our very own Larry H. Miller! The impact of that connection alone immediately made all the difference. It helped them relax and find a place to belong and heal a bit of themselves on the court as they chatted and played. Although the Miller/Jazz connection was especially meaningful for us, the court’s common ground effect benefited all, and will continue to benefit all who come to Camp Sunshine and enjoy the special form of healing this Jazz court has to offer. Sincerely Warmed by Your Love, The Loertscher Family, Claudia Loertscher, Mother Midvale, Utah.​ LHMWSM.com 11