Feb 26, 2007
A Basketball Team For Us
For the last year or so, a dream of mine was to start a basketball team, a team full of local youths from my area (Shamokin, Pa) and be able to take them to tournaments all over the state, and let them compete versus the best of the best in their age group from other areas throughout.
This past January came around, and I decided that I was going to go after my dream, and in fact, start this team. I started talking to some of the local kids about this idea and they all thought this was a great idea and said how they were looking forward to the chance to play a game that they love.
So I started looking into it a little more, searching for tournaments and so on and so forth, and things really started to move forward. This dream that I had was in fact, becoming a reality.
Getting the kids and finding the tournaments was the easy part, finding the funds to help cover the costs of the team would be the hard part. Paying gym rental fees, tournament entrance fees, uniforms, equipment, since this team would be traveling all over, you also have hotel fees to worry about. Who would be responsible for all these high costs? The kids and their parents? The share each child would have to pay would certainly not be cheap.
In steps the staff of Sundance Vacations, where I work.
While at work one day, on my lunch break, I was looking thru a catalog that had basketball uniforms in it, and my manager Becky noticed it. We were discussing what ones looked nice and she asked me what I was looking at them for, and I told her about my dream and how I was hoping to start this basketball team, but the costs where just so high, and that I didn’t think that it would be possible.
That’s when she suggested that I try to find a sponsor to help defray some of the costs from the kids.
But who could I ask to help me with this, who really cares about the local youth, and enjoys giving back to the community?
The answer was obvious to the both of us, John and Tina Dowd, the proud owners of Sundance Vacations.
With the help of Becky and a co-worker of mine, Doreen, a letter was typed up and sent up to the corporate office in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Within a few days, I had my response, Sundance Vacations would be more than happy to help with the costs and be my team’s sponsor.
My dream now has come true, as well as the dreams of some local 7th and 8th graders.
Thanks to Sundance Vacations, we now have our basketball team.
The Sundance Vacations Basketball Team 
(Double Click Picture To Enlarge Image)
Some of the tournament sites that we will be traveling to and playing at are:
Shamokin, Pa
Millersville, Pa
Elysburg, Pa
Easton, Pa
York, Pa
Morgantown, Pa
Kutztown, Pa
Other possible locations are,
Topton, Pa
Boyertown, Pa
Hamburg, Pa
So, if you are close by and you would like to come and support Sundance Vacations basketball team, contact me and I will be more than happy to give you the date of the event in that area.
Again, thank you Sundance Vacations!!!!!
Brad ~ Shamokin Office
Way to go Brad!!! I’m sure your Shamokin “Dream Team” will represent the area and Sundance Vacations in a positive manner. As a former scorekeeper for a traveling team, I can tell you that the experience is rewarding, both from a personal and competitive level. Finding sponsors can be frustrating, and I’m sure the kids will be greatful to John and Tina Dowd for giving their team the opportunity to represent our area and Sundance Vacations throughout the state.
Well, the Shamokin office at Sundance Vacations had a distinguished visitor today. “Derek Jeter” was welcomed warmly by Becky, as she does with everyone. Then it was business as usual as Becky escorted “Derek” to his desk and put him to work. For those of you not familiar with the Shamokin office, this “Derek Jeter” happens to be a toy.
First Tournament Date:
March 16-17-18th Pine Grove, Pennsylvania
I THINK THAT IT IS GREAT HOW GENEROUS JOHN AND TINA DOWD ARE TO THE COMMUNITIES THAT THEY DO BUSINESS IN. I KNOW IN THE PAST THEY HAVE ALSO SPONSERED A SOCCER TEAM IN SHAMOKIN. THE BASKETBALL UNIFORMS ARE GOING TO LOOK GREAT AND IT IS GREAT EXPOSURE FOR THE NAME SUNDANCE VACATIONS. HOPEFULY THE TEAM MEMBERS WILL REMEMBER US WHEN THEY TURN 16 AND ARE LOOKING FOR A JOB. BEST OF LUCK BRAD AND THE SUNDANCE BASKETBALL TEAM:):)
I think that this is great. John and Tina are always very supportive of great causes and it is no surprise to me that they decided to sponsor the team. It is also a great advertising tool for the business. Great Job John and Tina and good luck to brad and his team!!!!
Great job Brad! Not only are you able to follow your dream, but you are are also helping a number of children prepare for their future and follow their dreams as well. As you already know, being a part of a team is important in expanding your own personal endevors. Who knows… maybe you will be coaching the next Magic Johnson!! Good Luck!!
just wanted to update everyone on the sundance vacation basketball team. they took 3rd place out of 14 teams in the tournament they were in for the weekend march 23-25. great coaching brad and congrats to the team. keep winning!!!
another team update: sundance vacations team took 1st place in the girardville tournament in the beginning of march. they brought back a huge trophy that we have displayed in the shamokin office. great job team!!!!
if anyone is interested in coming out and supporting the sundance vacations team, they will be playing in the shamokin tournament this weekend. their first game is friday evening at 9pm at the shamokin high school. they will have games all weekend march 30th -april 1st. good luck team
SUNDANCE VACATIONS TRAVELING BASKETBALL TEAM TOOK 2ND PLACE IN THE TOURNAMENT THIS PAST WEEKEND. KEEP WINNING GUYS.
Hats off to John and Tina Dowd for always helping when ever they can. I think we all are very lucky to work for a Company that truly puts the employee first, they continue to improve employee benefits and are always offering fantastic SPIFFS for any of us to win. I have worked for the Company for almost 10 years and I am PROUD to be a member of the TEAM.
Way to go to the team on their second place win, but I have a suggestion next time they are playing in the area why don’t you fax the date, time and location to the local office for some employees of Sundance Vacations to come out and support the team.
I just wanted to say congrats to Brad and his team!! It doesnt surprise me that they are doing so well. Brad is a great guy and the team is very lucky to have him. Keep up the good work!!
I just wanted to say congrats to Brad and his team. Brad is a great guy and the kids are lucky to have such a positive and motivated coach! Keep up the good work guys!
I just wanted to say congratulations to Brad for following his dream. You don’t see many people now a days trying to reach out and make the community a better place for these kids. It’s nice to see them doing something productive with their free time and not out getting into trouble and they have you to thank for that. Good Job Brad!!! We need more people like you in our communities.
Just thought I would let everyone know the dates and locations of the next 2 scheduled tournaments that Sundance Vacations Basketball team is participating in:
4/28 Williamsport YMCA
10 am Sundance Vacations vs Loyalsock
1 pm Sundance Vacation vs Jersey Shore
4/29
12:00 pm Sundance Vacations vs Hughesville
Then we will either play in the 3rd place game at 2:00 pm or the championship game at 3:00 pm
If you are interested in coming out to Williamsport to watch and support the team, contact the Shamokin office during day shift hours and either Becky or I will be glad to give you directions. If you are interested in coming to the Championship games, again, contact either one of us, we’ll give you my cell phone number to call and I will let you know what time we play.
Also, the following weekend May 4th/6th, we are playing in a tournament that’s right in our backyard! The location is Elysburg, Pa at the Southern Columbia High School. I will not know the times for this event until Monday 4/30; I will post them as soon as I know.
Thank you for all your support
Brad
I have seen the team picture and it’s great! Congrats to everyone involved!
Thanks for letting us know some of the locations, dates, and times tha you will be playing. Now we can come out and support the team and Sundance Vacations.
I am proud to announce Sundance Vacations recently took 2nd place at the Athletes For Better Education Tournament @the Williamsport YMCA this past weekend, 4/27-4/29. We defeated Loyalsock and Jersey Shore on our way to the championship only to fall short in the finals vs Hughesville.
All in all it was a good tournament the kids showed alot of heart and gave it their all.
Now we just will work that much harder to win 1st place this weekend at the Athletes For Better Education Tournament this weekend at Southern Columbia High School
Hope to see you all there
HI!! I JUST WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT THE SUNDANCE VACATIONS TRAVELING BASKETBALL TEAM WILL BE PLAYING IN THE ELYSBURG TOURNAMENT THIS WEEKEND. THEIR FIRST GAME IS SATURDAY EVENING 5/5/07 AT 7PM AT THE SOUTHERN COLUMBIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO, COME OUT AND SUPPORT OUR TEAM. THE SCHOOL IS NOT FAR FROM KNOEBELS SO YOU COULD MAKE A DAY OF IT. THANKS:):)
HELLO! GREAT JOB AGAIN TO THE SUNDANCE VACATIONS BASKETBALL TEAM. THEY PLACED THIRD AT THE EASTON TOURNAMENT THIS PAST WEEKEND. THEY HAVE PLACED IN EVERY TOURNAMENT THEY HAVE BEEN IN SO FAR. KEEP WINNING TEAM.
That is great that the team has placed in every event that they have been in so far. They are definitely winners just like their sponsor Sundance Vacations!
I am going to visit again for an additional different intriguing subject..