Many times in our lives we say things, but don’t always necessary mean what we say. It’s rare that there is this type of follow through and customer service. Our collaboration with the Canton Charge has exemplified the statement service above self.
For the past 4 years the Canton Jr. Charge has partnered with the Y and held skill clinics for the youth as well as the coaches. Rob Dent, Y Sports Director said, “The Jr. Charge’s involvement has definitely enhanced our program, as well as provided a lot more enthusiasm for the sport.”
Rob went on to share a story on how the Charge went above and beyond this past fall for one of our youth members.
On November 15, the players and coaching staff from the Canton Charge held a basketball clinic at the Lake Community YMCA for all Jr. Charge program participants. Before going home, children had the opportunity to receive various Charge and CAVS items if they answered a trivia question correctly.
At the conclusion of the event, one of the Jr. Charge/Lake Community YMCA youth basketball program participants, a third grader, was visibly upset because he did not receive a rubber Kevin Love themed basketball. Mike Clark, Community Relations and Communications for the Canton Charge, was leading the trivia and prize give-a-ways that night. He asked Mike if he could have one of the Kevin Love basketballs. Mike said that he did not have any more with him, but told him to have his parents get in touch and he would “hook him up.”
A few weeks later, Rob received an email from youth participant’s father asking if he knew the name of the individual from the Lake Y basketball clinic that was leading the trivia that night. Rob provided him with Mike’s contact information.
In January, Rob and Mike met up; Rob asked if the youth’s family had ever contacted him. Mike shared they had and the family attended one of the home Canton Charge basketball games. Knowing what game the family would attend, Mike met with the family and gave the youth participant an officially licensed autographed Kevin Love basketball. Mike told Rob that he brought the basketball from home and that it was from his own personal collection. He stated that the basketball was the only Kevin Love autograph that Mike had, but that he made a promise and felt compelled to keep it. Mike stated that it is important to make sure young fans have a good experience with the YMCA/Jr. Charge program, and if that one simple act makes a life-long basketball fan, then to Mike it was worth it.
Thank you Mike for making a difference in the eyes of this particular child! And thank you Canton Charge for strengthening your community!