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'Gem City Jam' is now a golf tournament raising funds for new emergency vehicle.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
KETTERING — Once upon a time, there was a game called the Gem City Jam, a basketball series involving UD and Wright State. It lasted eight games — UD winning five — before vanishing after the teams played in December 1997.
On Monday, Aug. 25, the game's name reappeared, if under a different configuration.
"This brings a little spice to the outing," said Morris Furniture owner Larry Klaben, who has held a golf tournament the past three years to benefit the Children's Medical of Dayton. This year's tournament, at NCR Country Club, was co-hosted by Economy Linen, as well as several other sponsors, and with the help of UD and WSU. It was dubbed The Gem City Jam.
"We're trying to raise money for a new Emergency Transport Unit, and today we raised about $75,000," Klaben said. "Coupled with an earlier tournament we had, we have close to $125,000 toward a $140,000 vehicle."
The men's basketball coaches from UD and Wright State — Brian Gregory and Brad Brownell — contributed to the outing by playing with various groups. New Wright State athletics director Bob Grant also played. About 100 golfers paid at least $250 each to participate and an auction was held afterward.
"A lot of people play in a lot of tournaments because they're generous," said Bruce Feldman, president of Economy Linen. "And people were able to meet people they ordinarily wouldn't meet."
The coaches played well, and might have talked about some other business.
"I was able to spend some time with influential people at both schools in a relaxed atmosphere," Brownell said. "We're also working with UD for a way to do something with Coaches vs. Cancer. Maybe a tip-off breakfast or something."
So far, though, no basketball game.
"Never say never," said Gregory, who, like Brownell, didn't want to dwell on the topic. But he was pleased to help out a local charity.
"Morris Furniture supports both programs, and I want to be a part of what this benefits," Gregory said. "It's only a natural for us to get together."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157
or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.
