1 4 2 3 big score BY
1 4 2 3 big score BY JOYCE WISWELL PHOTOS BY DAVID REED Pistons celebrate Chaldean Night Spirits were high at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 13 as the Detroit Pistons celebrated their firstever Chaldean Night. The event was dreamed up by Raquel Gumma, who has worked at the Palace as a group event coordinator for seven years. “This is something that I’ve wanted to do since I began working at the Palace and it was great to see it finally come together,” she said. “All of my co-workers asked if I knew everyone there and if I was related to all of them.” Some 250 Chaldeans bought special group tickets to watch the Pistons take on the Toronto Raptors. The Pistons prevailed in a 91-84 game. Afterwards, Chaldeans were welcome onto the court to take a shot at the basket and pose for a group photo. Organizations participating in Chaldean Night included the Eastern Catholic Re- Evangelization Center, the Chaldean American Student Association, the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity and CCSL. Gumma hopes to coordinate future community events, including one at a Detroit Shock game in which Chaldean girls first play basketball on the court, and a larger Chaldean Night with the Pistons next fall. “It is a good way to bring the community together,” she said, “and it will be bigger next year.” 5 1. The group takes to the court after the game 2. Adrian Yaldo and Anthony Petrus 3. Samantha Arabbo 4. Noor Toma, Eman Toma, Kheloud Shaya 5. Mark Anthony shoots a basket with the help of a Palace worker 6. John Paul Ayar and Parker Samona 7. Jayden Arabbo 8. Alex Konja, Donavan Douod, Matthew Abbo and Ryan Konja 9. Brandon Konja and Rita Abbo 10. An exciting game 36 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2008
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