Ben Gordon Family Day at Hartley Park was going to happen regardless of the Mount Vernon athletics situation. It has become a yearly tradition for Mount Vernon families to come out and support their hero, who generously gives back to his hometown.
But yesterday was different. The last few weeks have been different. Mount Vernon has been the focus with its athletic department in a precarious state, and all fundraising efforts get a little extra attention with the added significance of a necessary immediate and tangible reward.
"This year is extra special because there is so much at stake,"
Gordon said. "It's really about unity in the community more than ever. I just want to help make a positive boost in our community."
"It's great that Ben Gordon shows support for Mount Vernon, and I want to do the same for him,"
said Baye Ceesay, a 15-year-old Mount Vernon resident.
Family Day at Hartley Park wasn't a fundraiser per se - that was more the focus at Gordon's bowling bash on Friday, with half the proceeds going to Mount Vernon's Save our Sports initiative - but it was a continuation of a community coming together in a time of need.
"Sports have been an integral part of something that has been a positive part of our community for generations,"
Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young said. "I cannot emphasize enough what sports mean to this particular community."
There was music, local thrift shops selling goods, a basketball clinic and a panel discussion for those interested in pursuing a career in sports outside of being a professional athlete.
Companies such as Verizon and Papa John's were at Hartley Park, displaying their products. Fall sports at Mount Vernon will take place, but nothing has been solidified for the winter and spring.
"Who knows what would have happened if I didn't have sports,"
Gordon said. "You take the option away from kids and the next thing is the street and gangs. We need as many positive influences as we can get and high school sports is one."
Having Gordon's name affixed to the event gave it star power and credibility. Gordon was a star basketball player at Mount Vernon before going on to be a national champion at UConn and a lottery pick by the Chicago Bulls.
"When my players hear him and see him, they know for a fact that he walked the same walk they are walking now,"
Mount Vernon boys basketball coach Bob Cimmino said. "They know that hard work can get you to a successful place."
"He is a leader to us, someone we can get advice from, with school and basketball, everything,"
said Mount Vernon senior Isaac Addoh, who said he's going to try out for the basketball team next year.
For someone like Kevin Jones, Mount Vernon's star last year who is about to head to West Virginia, seeing Gordon give back to the community gave him something to strive for in the future.
"If I'm ever in a position like him, I'll want to do something similar,"
Jones said. "I just feel bad for all my former teammates who even are thinking about the possibility of not having sports."
Days like yesterday continue to make that less of a possibility.
