by Alexander Sigua, 
Kings players DeMarcus Cousins, Jason Thompson, Carl Landry and Luther Head, Kings mascot Slamson, members of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team, Regional Vice President of Wells Fargo and Kings Ambassador Chevo Ramirez and Wells Fargo Vice President of Marketing Rick Cwynar teamed up to visit children and families at the Shriners Hospital for Children and host a Kings Pizza Party.
Amidst the energetic music and festive atmosphere, the young patients received autographs, took photos and spent quality time socializing with their newfound friends from the Kings and Wells Fargo.
"It's very kind of them to visit because they've come to cheer us up," said Abigail Minnett, one of the many children enjoying Sunday's festivities. "It makes me feel very special."
The patients received goodie bags courtesy of the Kings and proud Kings partner Wells Fargo along with all the pizza they could eat courtesy of proud Kings partner Round Table Pizza.
"It definitely feels good to put a smile on these kids' faces," stated Landry. "The Sacramento Kings are a huge part of this community, a huge part of the city of Sacramento and the surrounding areas, so for us to have the opportunity to interact with our fans and give back to this hospital is great."
Supported by donations, Shriners Hospital for Children - Northern California is a regional pediatric medical center providing the gift of specialized pediatric care to children with orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns and scars from any cause. Any child 18 years or younger is eligible for care, providing the child's condition is within the scope of services provided. Care is provided without financial obligation to patients or their families.
"For many children, the opportunity to meet a sports star is a dream come true," said Penny Lees, Manager of the Therapeutic Recreation/Child Life program at Shriners Hospital. "Sunday's event holds special meaning because some of our patients went on an outing to the Kings game earlier this week. At the pizza party, they have an opportunity to visit with players they saw at ARCO Arena."
"When you see the players walk into the room with the goodie bags, the kids' eyes just light up," said Cwynar. "They're just amazed by their size, they're so big, they watch them on TV all the time, they've been looking forward to seeing them all day and it's just a fantastic event. They can spend some time with the kids, sign some autographs, give out some goodie bags and share some pizza with them. It's a fantastic event and something we look forward to around the holidays."
Sunday's surprise visit was part of Maloof Sports & Entertainment's ninth annual "Season of Giving," which consists of a series of charitable events and projects as part of an ongoing effort to make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in need. Kings players, members of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team, Slamson and volunteers from Maloof Sports & Entertainment and Wells Fargo will participate in three weeks of charitable giving and holiday fun benefiting children and families throughout the Sacramento region.
Additional “Season of Giving” events this holiday season include the donation of a “Holiday in a Box” from Maloof Sports & Entertainment and Wells Fargo to 200 deserving families, a surprise donation of 100 bikes and helmets to local children from Tyreke Evans and Wells Fargo, Francisco Garcia’s donation of a “Holiday in a Box” to local deserving Latino families, a surprise visit by DeMarcus Cousins to the UC Davis Children’s Hospital and participation in the CHiPS for Kids Toy Drive at Cal Expo.
For more information about Shriners Hospital for Children - Northern California, please call 916-453-2000 or visit shrinershospitals.org.
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