By R.G. Mason
WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Both Otterbein University basketball programs joined to host the annual Smokey Ballenger Classic in the Rike Center back on December 29 and 30, featuring a combined eight games in two days benefiting a good cause.
Instead of formal ticket prices, admission to the event was a non-perishable food item or cash donation to help support The Promise House and Westerville Area Resource Ministry (W.A.R.M).
The Promise House is a student-led community resource center helps served under-resourced students and strives to break down socioeconomic barriers to success. Services include a community café, campus food pantry, peer advocacy, volunteer opportunities, and educational workshops. Items currently in need at The Promise House include bread, granola bars, fruit/vegetables, nuts, cereal, grains, condiments and spaghetti sauce.
W.A.R.M. is a local non-profit organization that provides compassion, short-term assistance, educational services and spiritual support to encourage individuals and restore dignity/hope.
Dwight C. “Smokey” Ballenger was a four-sport letterwinner for Otterbein from 1935-39 and well known for his ways of contribution. After graduation, “Mr. Otterbein” began a 50-plus year legacy as a dedicated alum in perpetuating Cardinal athletics. He was part of our inaugural Hall of Fame Class in 2008.
Stay tuned to otterbeincardinals.com and all of our social media outlets for ongoing coverage of all programs.
COURTESY OTTERBEING ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
