I’d like to introduce the newest honorary Harlem Globetrotter, Karter.
Karter is six years old and is the sweetest kid you’ll ever meet. Karter was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor called DIPG. The life expectancy with DIPG is 2-9 months. January was month seven for Karter.
Karter’s grandma reached out to share that the family wanted to give Karter the most amazing memories while he continues his fight, and she was hoping to bring him to an upcoming game in Edmonton.
Except, in true Harlem Globetrotters fashion, we did more than that. First, we surprised the family with Globetrotters bench seats; then we brought Karter backstage during halftime and again after the game to hang with the players, where he joked about his sneakers not being Calgary’s colors, his crush at school, and how tall some of our players are. By the end, tears and ear-to-ear smiles were had by all.
While Karter’s family shared their heartfelt ‘thank yous’ for the experience, we felt just as grateful to them. They gave each of us a special memory that we will never forget. For me, it was a reminder that when work gets tough and we’re in the zone, it can be easy to forget what we’re called to do. We’re here to do something bigger than ourselves; we create memories for deserving people like Karter, and that’s everything.
This love (in action) story was brought to you by Courtney Baker, Director of Promotions Marketing at The Harlem Globetrotters.
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Available PositionsIn 2022, Herschend properties drove more shoebox donations for our partners at Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, than ever before! 1.76M shoeboxes were collected in 2022 versus 1.53M in 2021. Thank you to all properties that support our partners through this program.
About Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child
Churches, schools, and organizations register for the challenge and pack as many shoebox gifts as possible with the incentive of earning tickets from our participating attractions. Collected shoeboxes are then transported to children in need around the globe.
Learn MoreFennec Foxes, Meerkats, Coatimundis, and Skunks chasing down some tasty crickets had 30,000 views on Instagram
Swamp Thing
Dippin’ Dots, with 67,176 units sold!
Great Pumpkin LumiNights featuring Pumpkin Spice Festival
The announcement of Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom had 81,333 views and 610 likes
Storm Chaser, Mile High Falls, Zeppelin
Bulk Candy, with 7,246 units sold
Chicken Tenders, with 46,949 baskets sold – 140,000 tenders!
Rescue Kit” – sold over 2,000 in 2022
Mermaid exhibit is always a fan favorite!
Grandma’s Sunday Fries, topped with homemade pot roast.
The most terrifying mouth in the animal kingdom with 3.4M views!
A repost of the Target Silver Dollar City clothes meme, which had 14,234 likes.
Handcrafted Brittle – with 120,000 bags of brittle flavors, including peanut, pecan, walnut, cashew, spicy, and bacon!
Succotash and Harvest skillets – with 145,000 Skillet meals sold in 2022.
An Old Time Christmas, which has been named Best Holiday Event by the USA Today 10 Best for five years running.
African Penguins Pick the Bengals to Win the 2022 Superbowl!
Shark Laser Guns because it’s sharks…with lasers!
Skyline Chili is always the Cincy Favorite and a highlight of Sharky’s Café.
The 60,000-gallon Coral Reef Tunnel exhibit.
Big Bear Mountain Coaster announcement video, with 210,000 views.
Dolly Circle Smile T-shirt with 5,000 sold!
Hand-Breaded Southern Fried Chicken with 180,336 lbs. sold!
Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas because the entire team worked tirelessly to ensure filming was a success, including decorating the park for Christmas in the middle of the summer! The movie exposed the brand to millions of viewers on NBC and Peacock.
Pumpkins at Callaway Opening Weekend with 1.3k Reshares.
Callaway's Famous Muscadine Preserves
Breakfast and Dessert Spreads
Grand Opening of Cason's Corn Maze
The year ended on a high note, with the team’s annual training camp held in November at Lake Point Sports Complex outside of Atlanta, GA. In tandem with Woodard’s return, the team also introduced its largest female roster in Globetrotter history.