Send in the Heroes: Fundraiser to Benefit Helpless, Homeless, Hungry

BRISTOL, Va. – Imagine life without a home or food on the table.
Send in the heroes.
On March 8 four teams of local heroes from Bristol Va. and Tenn. police and fire departments will play two basketball games at Viking Hall in Bristol, Tenn. for the annual Heroes Ball. The point: to raise funds for Haven of Rest Rescue Mission, which feeds the hungry and houses the homeless.
“Costs are up and incomes are down,” said Wayne Sheridan, executive director of Haven of Rest. “This (annual game) was started after 9/11 because Americans recognized that these people are heroes who help us when we are in need.”
And so for weeks now, including Tuesday night at Virginia Middle School, policemen and firemen have practiced for the big games. They want very badly to help.
“There are people out there who have no way to provide for themselves, and this is the community helping them,” said Doug Lewis of Bristol Tenn. Fire Department. “We can have fun and still do it for a good cause.”
Sheridan said that on any given night about 25 to 40 people seek shelter at Haven of Rest. That includes men, women and yes, even children. Add to that those with housing though in need of food.
“A lot of people are on fixed incomes, and so by the end of the month they run out of money,” he said. “We’ll feed as many as 100 people the last week of the month.”
Sheridan said that the community is best served when the community helps provide for the needy. Otherwise, all could suffer.
“The crime rate would go up,” he said. “Children would suffer more. It would hurt our quality of life.”
Indeed it would, said Officer Mike Danser of Bristol, Va. Police.
“For instance,” Danser said, “the State Street buildings that are empty, they would break in just to stay warm. People need to get warm. It’s not maliciousness; it’s survival.”
Meanwhile, survival of another sort encircles the games. Bristol, Tenn. fire and police won both games last year.
“We have the trophy and the bragging rights,” Lewis said, grinning before taking to the court, “and the bragging rights are the main thing.”
Ha! said the look of Lt. John Austin of Bristol, Va. police. Bragging rights?
“We hope that changes on Friday night,” said Austin, who will coach his team. “Who’s winning? We are!”
Danser stood tall at 6’4” and with a look that said, right on. He’s won the game’s most valuable player award each of the past three years and hopes for another.
“It’s a blast,” Danser said.
Blast, yes. However, that was then and this is now.
“Last year I played mister nice guy,” said the quite nice Danser. “Now it’s no more mister nice guy.”
Get the gist? The games offer fun for those who play, help for folks in need, and entertainment for those who give but three bucks to attend. What a deal, Sheridan said.
“You can’t do better than three bucks,” he said, “all of which goes to help the homeless in the Bristol area.”
In addition to the games, contemporary gospel band Amazed By Grace will provide music at halftime. Also, there will be drawings for door prizes including gift certificates to such local restaurants as Applebee’s and Fatz Café.
Fun night, fun games, serious cause.
“I looked forward to it this year and I will look forward to it next year,” Danser said. “You know that it’s helping people. It’s a privilege to do it.”

TO DONATE TO HAVEN OF REST
Make checks payable to: Haven of Rest Rescue Mission
Address: 624 Anderson St., Bristol, TN 37620
Phone: (423) 968-2011
Web: http://www.bristolmission.org

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at .

IF YOU GO
What: Haven of Rest Heroes Ball: Bristol TN/VA Police and Fire Dept. basketball game
When: March 6, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Viking Hall, 1100 Edgemont Ave., Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: $3 donation
Info: (423) 764-0188

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at