Harlem Ambassadors to Give 100% of Profits from Loveland Performance to Parkinson’s Charity

By Charlie Englar
Many who call Fort Collins home may be unaware of a world-famous group that also names the “Choice City” as its home base.
Although they haven’t received much local press over the years, the Harlem Ambassadors Professional Show Basketball Team has an international reputation for being stewards of the community. The team is known for putting on a great show, mixing basketball with comedy to create entertaining family fun.
Dale Moss, a seasoned sports management professional, was running a sports marketing firm in Fort Collins in 1997 when he conceived the idea for the group. Moss focused on creating a family-oriented show with high-quality players (all of whom have played college basketball), which has allowed the Ambassadors to grow steadily over the last eleven years.
Since their first season of touring in 1998, the Harlem Ambassadors have visited countries all over the world, while also growing into two teams; the “Red, White, and Blue” unit who tours east of the Mississippi and the “Stars and Stripes” unit who tours the west.
“The Harlem Ambassadors show is quality family entertainment and is fun for audiences of all ages, from kids to kids-at-heart. In addition to the hilarious comedy and slam dunks, audience members, especially children, may have the opportunity to participate in interactive games between the quarters and during half-time,” said Andria Simons, Director of Client & Media Relations for the Harlem Ambassadors.
The current touring season (September to May) includes 220 fundraising games and entertainment events for many non-profit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions, among others.
As part of the tour, the Ambassadors will make a stop at Mountain View High School in Loveland on April 21. The Ambassadors will be playing against Team Fox, who will be led by eight-time WNBA all-star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Tamika Catchings, with the team also being comprised of Northern Colorado personalities.
This particular show holds a strong significance for the Harlem Ambassadors, however, going well beyond playing in their home region. The team recently found out that their leader and founder, Dale Moss, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“The April 21 event will be our first annual fundraising show basketball game, with 100% of sponsorships, 100% of donor pledges and 100% of the ticket sales going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research,” said Simons. “We have purposely selected a smaller high school venue for the first year out to create a sellout and set this up as a growing annual event.”
This event provides an excellent opportunity for the Ambassadors and the Northern Colorado community to come together for a great cause, and players will be available for autographs and a meet-and-greet after the game.
Catch the Harlem Ambassadors live at Mountain View High School on April 21. Visit www.harlemambassadors.com for more information regarding tickets and scheduling.