Help LOBC Help the Kids

As an on-the-court and off-the-court volunteer for Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee (LOBC), I am pleased to bring to your attention an exciting opportunity to support Our City’s most precious resource … our youth.

Since 2009, Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee has been dedicated to bringing outdoor recreation back to our city. But more importantly, LOBC is about creating a healthy, safe environment and recreational activity for Lakewood’s young people.

In September 2010, LOBC installed and operated hoops at , much to the delight of dozens and dozens of youngsters. Now, with the support of City Hall, LOBC turns its attention to Lakewood Park and the installation of the MVD Memorial Court, named in memory of Lakewoodite Mark Vincent Dickens whose promising life was cut short by cancer.

How can you help?
The high-quality hoops on a freshly-paved playing surface at MVD Memorial Court will be surrounded by a walkway built with personalized bricks containing the names and/or messages of supporters like you. You can purchase a brick (three different sizes available: $100, $500, $1,000) by downloading the order form from the Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee website or by stopping by (18605 Detroit Avenue) to pick up a form. Can’t afford a brick? No problem. Donations of any amount will be gladly accepted. Your support demonstrates to the kids of Lakewood that you truly care about them!

About Mark Vincent Dickens
Mark was born in Lakewood and graduated from in 1996. Like many young people in Lakewood, he grew up playing basketball in Lakewood Park for countless hours after school and throughout the summer. Just as they affected many other kids growing up in Lakewood, the courts were a large part of Mark's upbringing. Many of his long-lasting friendships and bonds were formed there. In 2009, after a two year battle with testicular cancer, Mark passed away one month short of his 30th birthday.

City Support
Mayor Summers, as well as six of seven members of City Council, have officially endorsed our plans (see attached letter of support) to construct the new hoops at Lakewood Park.

About LOBC
The Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee is a local non-profit organization that was started by Lakewood residents to help bring public outdoor basketball back to our city. LOBC is dedicated to making free outdoor basketball available to all of our residents once again.

Recreational basketball reaches far beyond “letting a kid be a kid.”
Your support provides many benefits for the youngsters LOBC serves:
- Social benefits: how to cooperate, how to follow directions; and how to respect for others;
- Psychological benefits: critical thinking, problem solving, and self-discipline;
- Physical benefits: fights childhood obesity (which has tripled in the past 30 years).

I encourage you to join me in supporting this effort. Thank you!