January games will score funds for 'Nothing But Nets'

Basketball fans relish watching their favorite players swish the nets as they score in a game. They also are learning those nets can save lives. The United Methodist Church and the National Basketball Association have been supplying mosquito nets to malaria-prone areas in Africa through their "Nothing But Nets" campaign.

On Saturday, Jan. 23, churches from across the state are invited to participate in a fund-raiser for this cause, co-sponsored by the Wesley Center at OCU and OCU Athletics.

Make plans now to bring a group from your church to the women’s and men’s basketball games on Jan. 23, at 6 and 8 p.m. respectively. For this event, the ticket price will be $6—with $3 for admission and $3 going to "Nothing But Nets."

At halftime of the men’s game, some notable United Methodist leaders will participate in a free-throw contest. For each basket scored, money will be donated to "Nothing But Nets." Taking turns at the free-throw line will be headliners Bishop Robert Hayes and his wife, Dee, along with President Tom and Brenda McDaniel. Bob Long, Jayne Jayroe, Tish Malloy, and Mark Barnett are also scheduled to participate.

Your church is encouraged to conduct a local fund-raiser, too, and donate those proceeds at the information table during the games.

Fans also will have the option to make donations for an opportunity to win prizes—among them a basketball autographed by the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team and other Thunder items. "Nothing But Nets" t-shirts will be available for purchase, with all the money going to this worthy cause.

For more information, go to www.nothingbutnets.net  or contact Jennifer Long, jlong@okcu.edu,  405-208-5078.