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Heidi Monroe Kroft
Scale Computing
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Cayman’s 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Benefitting Riley Hopsital for Children Celebrates Its Fifth Y

Fourteen-year old Cayman Jarvis has raised over $20,000 for Riley’s Cheer Guild in honor of his friend Tyler Genneken; His efforts have gained sponsors and the attention of the Indiana Pacers

–Local companies are clamoring to support 14 year-old Cayman Jarvis’ fifth fundraising event for Riley’s Hospital for Children. Dubbed Cayman’s 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for Riley, the event was born from the tragic loss of Cayman’s best friend Tylery (13) to leukemia. The compelling story has attracted dozens of supporters, including the Indiana Pacers, Scale Computing, Duke Homes, Duke Energy, Louie’s, Main Source Bank, Mid America Health, Franklin Insurance, Kohl’s Department Stores, Caterpillar, Frechette Eye Center, the Southside Surgery Center, and Johnson County REMC.

“Young Cayman is an entrepreneur’s entrepreneur,” said Scale Computing CEO Jeff Ready. “When we heard his story, understood his long-term vision and reviewed the results he has had to date, donating was a no-brainer. He’s the epitome of the entrepreneurial spirit—he took a tragic situation and turned it into something that will continue to benefit others for years to come. And he’s just 14.”

In the past four years, the event has raised over $20,000 for Riley’s Cheer Guild, a volunteer auxiliary that serves Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University Hospital by providing comfort and cheer to the patients and families at both hospitals.The event has grown over the past four years. In 2009, over 75 kids participated in the basketball tournament.

This year, the town council will block the streets, the Indiana Pacer’s Boomer mascot will be on hand and the Blood Mobile will be conducting a blood drive and recruiting volunteers to join the bone marrow registry. Tents and balloons now line the streets during the event and there is music, face painting, burgers and hot dogs.

Cayman’s Story
One of the Cheer Guild’s largest projects is the Toy Room located at Riley Hospital. For Children. Volunteers collect brand new donated toys and handmade items to be given as gifts to pediatric patients. The Cheer Guild distributes over 14,000 items from the Toy Room each month.

“When I went to visit my friend Tyler Genneken at Riley,” said Cayman Jarvis, “most of the toys and video games we wanted to play with were broken. I wanted to help Tyler’s stay be more fun and to help other patients at Riley.”

Cayman was 10 at the time of this visit and soon coordinated the first Cayman’s 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. Cayman’s mom, Cindy, outlined the steps he needed to do in order to make the event happen.  His game plan included getting sponsorhips from local businesses, promoting the event with flyers, recruiting basketball players, ordering event T-shirts and finding referees. Twenty days later, the inuargural event in 2006 had 45 players, raising $1,500.

“This year my goal is to double the amount of money we raised last year, which was $10,000,” said Jarvis. “We lost Tyler to leukuemia 6 months ago so I want this year to be extra special.We’re over halfway to our goal so with everyone’s support and help, I think we can do it!”

Starting next year for the 20111 event, Cayman has plans to franchise the tournament and rename it Cayman and Tyler’s 3-on-3 for Riley.

Cayman’s 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for Riley will take place on Friday, June 4 from 12 Noon – 5 PM in his Bargersville, IN neighborhood. All boys in grades 7 though 9 are welcome to play. Cost to play is $5. Teams are drawn at random. For more information, to donate or for corporate sponsorhips, please call 317-979-1911. For additional info on Riley’s Cheer Guild, please visit: http://www.cheerguild.org
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