Several former New York Giants football players will compete in two exhibition basketball games at Leede Arena this Saturday to benefit David's House in Lebanon.
Former Giants O.J. Anderson, Steven Baker, Zeke Mowatt, Lee Rouson, Joey Smith and Greg Taylor are scheduled to play against teams comprised of local business representatives.
Organizers are also hopeful that Lawrence Taylor will make an appearance, but cannot confirm whether he will compete.
The games start at 5:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. with 45-minute autograph sessions preceding each game.
The charity event will also include a raffle featuring a variety of items including two autographed Lawrence Taylor jerseys, footballs from the current Giant team, three three-night packages at the Lake Morey Inn Resort, $500 in building supplies from La Valley Building Supply, $500 in furniture from Copeland Furniture and Factory Outlet, massages, eight chances to win a brunch with the Giants at the Radisson Inn in West Lebanon and a weekend in Washington, D.C.
Stephanie Cummings, a representative of David's House who helped organize the games, said Rouson initiated the event.
Cummings said Rouson, who is a friend of hers, asked her if she knew of any causes that might benefit from his Recreational Academic Program, which she said he started in New Jersey to help replenish state funding for middle schools in that area.
The money that goes to David's House will be raised through donations from the business sponsors and proceeds from ticket sales, Cummings said.
David's House serves as a temporary home for families of children receiving treatment at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
Tickets, which cost $15 for adults and $7.50 for children under age 12, are on sale until Friday morning at Folk and Rosey Jekes in Hanover, and Triple Play Sports Cards in West Lebanon. They are also available at the door.
In addition, Cafe Figaro located in Bradford, Vt. will host a pre-game dinner Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by phone for $75 a plate.
Business sponsors said they are looking forward to the event. Dan Freihoffer of Johnson and Dix, one of the businesses scheduled to compete Saturday, said the game is a good way to help out a good cause, and is also a way for the employees to have fun.
Phyllis Perry of Cafe Figaro said the former Giants who are playing this weekend are "special people, because not only are they famous, but they are raising money for a good cause."
Other businesses participating include Copeland Furniture and Factory Outlet, Globe Travel Inc., Lake Morey Inn, Upper Valley Pediatrics, Wells River Savings Bank and WNNE TV-31.
