Marlon Moore, wide-receiver for the Cleveland Browns and Sacramento native, is hosting a charity basketball game to benefit the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento on Saturday, April 16.

The Marlon Moore Celebrity Classic charity basketball game will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Capital Christian Center located at 9470 Micron Ave, Sacramento, California.

The Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento is a non-profit organization in Sacramento County that provides emergency shelter to children and youth affected by abuse, neglect, behavioral health issues and trauma.

The Marlon Moore Celebrity Classic is a game that aims to provide entertainment while raising funds for a charitable cause.

The Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento website reads, “My goal is to bring together NFL players and provide an entertaining basketball game to raise money for CRH,” said Marlon [Moore].

Tanya Kravchuk, a Sacramento State alumna and the director of development at the Children’s Receiving Home, is responsible for raising awareness of programs and securing funds for children in need.

“Marlon grew up in Sacramento, and many of his childhood friends stayed at the Receiving Home at one time or another due to unsafe family environments,” Kravchuk said. “He is grateful for the impact CRH has had in the lives of his friends and loved ones and has stayed connected with us throughout the years by volunteering and hosting various events.”

NFL players Dwayne Bowe, Asa Jackson and Rashad Jones have confirmed their participation for the event. The gym seats 1,500 people, and it is anticipated that the event will fill every seat.

Kravchuk said that the Children’s Receiving Home would like to raise a minimum of $15,000 to help youth living in the Independent Living Program.

“The CRH Independent Living Program helps youth aging out of Foster Care become self-sufficient by obtaining jobs, getting into college and securing rent in the community,” Kravchuk said. “Funds from the Marlon Moore Charity Classic will support this program and fund a college road-trip to open up the eyes of these youth to college opportunities and encourage and excite them to go to college.”

A few of the athletic teams at Sac State were contacted regarding the Marlon Moore Celebrity Classic to inquire and obtain feedback about whether or not the basketball and/or football teams would be interested in volunteering to help bring attention to the event; however, no response or comments were provided.

Lilly Isaak, a senior majoring in marketing and international business, believes that it is important for Sac State athletes to give back to the community through charitable causes.

“I think it’s a great way to collaborate with local athletes among the Sacramento community to bring awareness and help raise money for an important cause,” Isaak said. “Being a well-known NFL athlete does have its perks; however, it’s important to use the fame that comes with it in a positive way. This event gives Sacramento State athletes the opportunity to see how these NFL athletes use their popularity as a platform in positive ways by participating in events like this to raise money.”

Isaak also said it is important for successful athletes to pay it forward to the community via charitable causes.

“I think it’s important to be involved in community events because it’s important to give back to the community,” Isaak said. “Lots of people who become successful in life always try to give back to the schools, after school programs or sports programs that helped them grow and achieve their dreams. I think it’s important to keep in touch with your roots and pay it forward by helping others that helped you be where you are today.”

Jenna Halvorson, a senior majoring in marketing, would like to attend the event and thinks that the event will be successful in reaching its goal.

“I think that is a great idea. It will draw a large amount of people and hopefully raise a lot of money,” Halvorson said. “If I was available that day I would like to attend. It would be fun watching them play basketball and support the Children’s Receiving Home. There is a high chance in people I know attending the classic.”

Isaak said whether or not NFL players are good at basketball, the event will still be entertaining.

“I think it’s a great idea that will definitely be entertaining to watch,” Isaak said. “Who knows, they might realize they’re good at football and basketball. Or, they might just start playing football with the basketball.”

The Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento would like to obtain at least 30 volunteers to assist with various tasks such as setting up, taking tickets, giving out T-shirts and especially with cleaning up from noon to 2 p.m.

“CRH is the only non-profit shelter in Sacramento County; we serve more than 1,500 kids a year,” Kravchuk said. “They all come from our community. You can be involved in making a difference for kids in crisis, volunteer, donate and get involved.”