UTC's Athletic Department Makes Senior's Dream Come True

Chattanooga, TN (March 5, 2011) - A Mocs fan who never expected to see his team play live attended Monday night’s game at McKenzie Arena, a longing fulfilled by UTC’s athletic department and the St. Barnabas "Dream Makers" program.

William Goldthreat, 50, a resident of St. Barnabas nursing facility, was thrilled to learn he’d been given two free courtside seat tickets to attend the Feb. 21 Men’s Basketball vs. Furman game. He invited his roommate, Willie Huguley, to see the game with him. The Mocs victory only made his experience more special.

"My dream came true!" Mr. Goldthreat repeated over and over on the drive back to the nursing facility.

The fulfillment of Mr. Goldthreat’s wish is made possible through St. Barnabas’s "Dream Makers" program and the generosity of community partners, in this case, UTC’s athletic department.

"We’re just looking to help out however we can," said Geoff Wilcox, assistant ticket operations at UTC. Mr. Wilcox also arranged for VIP gift bags and a chance for the residents to meet the team at the tunnel before the game.

The "Dream Makers" program discovers unfulfilled wishes among its resident population and where possible, makes them come true. Frequently, kind benefactors in the Chattanooga community quickly respond to such requests.

For more information about St. Barnabas, visit www.st-barnabas.com.