On behalf of Jessica Redfield Ghawi’s family and Kroenke Sports Charities, a sports equipment drive will be held at Pepsi Center on Saturday, September 8, 7 a.m.- Noon.   Items accepted include new and gently used sports equipment as well as cash donations. All donations are tax deductible.

Jessica Redfield Ghawi was one of the victims at the Aurora Theater Tragedy and a sports participant as well as a sports reporter. Prior to her death, her dream was to help the families of the Colorado wildfires by providing hockey equipment. In the spirit of this request, the collection drive has been expanded to include equipment from all sports for those in need throughout the metro area served by A Precious Child, a local non-profit organization.

New or lightly used sports equipment requested includes: Baseball and Softball – Balls, Gloves, Catcher’s Gear, Bats; Basketball – Balls, Nets, Shoes; Bicycles and Helmets; Boxing – Gloves, Head Gear; Football – Balls, Pads, Helmets, Cleats; Golf – Clubs, Balls, Shoes; Hockey – Pucks, Skates, Pads, Goalie Gear, Helmet, Sticks; Lacrosse – Balls, Sticks, Pads, Helmets; Roller Hockey – Skates, Helmets, Pads, Sticks, Balls; Roller Skating/Blading – Skates, Helmets, Pads; Soccer - Balls, Cleats, Shin Guards; Tennis – Balls, Rackets, Shoes ; and Volleyball – Balls, Nets, Pads. In addition, monetary donations will benefit the Jessica Redfield Ghawi giveSPORTS Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance for sports-related registration fees, please donate at www.apreciouschild.org.

“Jessi realized that it’s the little things that make a big difference. She had such a passion for sports, and she knew what an important role sports played in communities. She knew that sports are something that can really help kids bounce back, give them something to look forward to even in the worst of circumstances. Jessi was the most incredible giver I’ve ever met, and she was always looking to help others even when it wasn’t in her best interest to help. Her main focus was on making sure that all these families that lost everything had the little things.” –Jay Meloff, Jessica’s boyfriend

“Jessica was a joyous soul. Passion is such an overused word, but that’s how she lived her life. It was with gusto. Her dreams were big, and she lived them vibrantly.” –Sandy Phillips, Jessica’s mom

7NEWS and 24/7 Weather meteorologist Maureen McCann will be live from Pepsi Center on Saturday 7am-8am to help promote the event.  KKFN The Fan FM 104.3 Radio will be live on the air throughout the morning covering the equipment drive.    In addition, many Altitude Sports television personalities and Kroenke Sports celebrities will be on site to thank those who graciously support this cause.

Carina Martin, Executive Director and Founder of A Precious Child said, “We want all children to be given the chance to reap the rewards of playing sports. The children we serve would never have the opportunity to participate in sports due to family misfortune and poverty without the help of our generous community. We hope everyone will help give the gift of sports to precious children in Colorado.” For more information on A Precious Child, visit www.apreciouschild.org

We would like to honor and recognize these corporations for their valuable contributions to this equipment drive – Adams 12 School District, All My Sons Moving, Altitude Sports, A Precious Child, Ball Corporation, Black Jack Pizza, Broomfield Soccer Club, Colorado Springs School District 11, KKFN Radio The Fan FM 104.3, KMGH-TV ABC-7, Kroenke Sports, Hitachi Consulting, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Mile High Sports Radio AM 1510 / FM 93.7, Pepsi Beverages Company, Roswell and Company, Subway, and Water World.