Portland Trail Blazers players Maurice Harkless (center) and Pat Connaughton (right) talk to Clark County kids during a Q&A session of a surprise event.
Many teens jumped out of their seats with joy the moment they were told the Trail Blazers would be arriving shortly to hang out with them.
Last Friday night about 400 lucky teens gathered at a community center in Clark County were surprised by the Portland Trail Blazers.
The teens were at the Firstenburg Community Center in Vancouver for Teen Late Night, a program that offers healthy and free activities for middle and high school age youth in a safe, supervised, drug-free environment. During the annual Friday night event, two Blazer players (Maurice Harkless and Pat Connaughton) as well as Blazer Dancers, members from the stunt team, and Blaze the mascot arrived and shocked the kids.
Instead of the teens normal routines for the night, they gathered in the gym and were given the chance to play games, win prizes from the Blazers, and ask the players questions. Afterwards the kids had opportunities to take pictures with the Blazers and get autographs. The event was organized by Nautilus, Inc. and the Vancouver Parks Foundation.
“My favorite part of the night was seeing the surprise on the kids’ faces,” said Erin Griffin, corporate communications manager at Nautilus, Inc. “The teens had no idea that members of the Portland Trail Blazers would be taking over this week’s Teen Late Night event until the players arrived. Seeing the excitement from the kids in our community was priceless.”
About midway through the event the kids were asked to take a seat in the gym, but when word of what was about to happen, pandemonium broke out.
“I can’t believe it, I love the Blazers,” said Jake.
When the Blazer players made their way into the gym the seated kids jumped up and nearly stormed them. Organizers had to create a barrier.
“I think it’s important to come in here, give back, and have fun,” said Harkless.
Throughout the night he and Connaughton wore smiles.
“I grew up at a place just like this, so it really resonated with me when I got asked to come,” said Connaughton. “Seeing how excited they are is the best part.”
