Victory Hall Athletic & Event Center Fundraiser

The adults with intellectual disabilities living in the Marbridge community have been playing in the same now-dilapidated "1,200-square-foot, cinder block gymnasium" for far too long. While probably not so bad in 1959 when it was constructed, the 240 residents on the 170-acre campus now deserve better. Volunteers from all walks of life will descend upon the gymnasium, aka the Old Green Gym, this Saturday to play a 3-on-3 basketball tourney of five-minute games to raise awareness and funds for the new facility in planning, the Victory Hall Athletic & Event Center (plan pictured). The games will be only five minutes each because it is too friggin' hot to play any longer than that in the stifling Texas heat due to a lack of air conditioning in the gym (with no heat in the winter). Each team will feature a player from the Marbridge Special Olympics basketball squad. The planned Victory Hall will sport an athletics facility and a stage for artsier performances, including those by the Marbridge resident choirs and drama groups, as well as classrooms, staff offices, and the Mike Parsons Wellness Center. $125,000 is needed by July 1 to help bring this plan to fruition. You can also mail donations to Marbridge Foundation, PO Box 2250, Manchaca, TX 78652, or donate online at www.marbridge.org/donate.

Saturday, June 23, 2-6pm. 2310 Bliss Spillar, Manchaca, 512/282-1144. www.marbridge.org.