Teams Bring Joy to the Court with Adams – Dutton Farm Game
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 20, 2022)
Rochester Hills, MI – Cheers echoed through the gymnasium of Rochester Adams High School as the month of January came to a close with a game of basketball between Adams Boys Varsity and Dutton Farm.
The event raised over $3,500 for Dutton Farm’s programs serving people with disabilities. Dutton Farm sold over 250 slices of pizza with some of these pies being donated by Jet’s Pizza -Five Points in Auburn Hills. EveryBody by Dutton Farm had a pop-up shop featuring candles + bath and body products made by the Dutton Farm participants. Plus there were t shirt sales and earnings at the gate.
Plus, the teams had a great time! Adams JV and Varsity cheerleaders performed, leading the crowd in chants to support the players. Neil King Physical Therapy donated t-shirts worn by the DF participants and sold to fans and supporters as part of the fundraiser. Adams Athletic Boosters collected tips at the concession stand for the cause as well.
Zaid Kassab is the owner of Lava Mountain Coffee, a place where some of the folks from Dutton Farm also get work serving up smiles, coffee, and delicious smoothies. He’s a big fan of the program and also the one who played point guard for the Dutton Team.
“The Adams team was ruthless with their offense,” Kassab said. “We were in trouble. But we rallied together after the 1st half and pulled out the WIN!
“Everyone played so hard the ball movement was fantastic and the momentum between the players was like nothing I’ve seen before! There were some time where the ref had some bogus calls but our team played hard til the end!”
The victory was well-earned, with Dutton Farm scoring 43 and Adams 32.
Dutton Farm is a small farm in Rochester where participants with special needs can come for classes, spending time with farm animals, tending to plots of veggies and flower gardens, gathering eggs from chicken coops, doing art projects, learning life skills, engaging with friends, and so much more.
“The work they do puts a smile on my face. Since my first visit there years ago I have always felt compelled to go back and to be around them,” Kassab told Oakland County Times. “It warms my heart, and sets a good example for my kids on how to treat others.”
The 501c3 nonprofit exists “to change the world and inspire others to see all people with disabilities treated with equality, valued for who they are and given equal opportunity to achieve their dreams.”
For more information about Dutton Farm visit duttonfarm.org or contact Kim Staudacher, Community Relations Manager, at kim@duttonfarm.org
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