Providing entertainment is what the Dallas Mavericks do.
Hopefully, like last season, the enjoyment for fans goes on this season well into the spring and summer with the Mavericks playing at a championship level.
Before that, though, the organization got to take part in a different kind of fun on Wednesday. It was work but the kind that makes you feel good.
It was helping others.
And it was every bit as rewarding as the sort of theater that takes place on the court, which will be here before you know it next month.
The Mavericks’ day of service was an amazing undertaking that was great in its totality – more than 300 hours of community service at food pantry locations and other philanthropy. We had more than 130 volunteers, including new guard Quentin Grimes, who spent time with us at the CitySquare Food Pantry.
On a personal basis, it was much more gratifying.
I’m no coach. I don’t have any DNA that Jason Kidd would be able to use.
But if there is anything that would be worth saying to companies or organizations that are trying to build camaraderie, it’s that a day of community is about as strong as you can get when it comes to creating a feeling of “team.”
Whether it’s the younger members of the group breaking into dance moves when music comes on or your CEO hugging a homeless man and helping him carry food out of the pantry, a day like that is full of memories and positivity.
One customer made the whole day.
With most of the people who are blessed to go to the CitySquare pantry, the trip through the aisles gives them a chance to pick up food essentials, including healthy options like fruits, vegetables and grains.
Volunteers like the Mavericks don’t ask about names, and there is a rule against taking pictures of the adults, many with young kids, who don’t want or need to be posted on social media.
But one gentleman came to the checkout part of the building – which is used only to sack up groceries, no money ever changes hands – and started to push his shopping cart toward the parking lot.
He walked with the help of a cane and it was clear that he was a self-sufficient sort and somebody who had taken whatever life threw at him and come out of it with a smile on his face and a thankfulness in his heart.
Stepping in, a couple of Mavericks’ volunteers said: “That’s what we’re here for.”
We took the buggy to the curb and the man had his older-model vehicle backed into the parking spot for easy loading in the trunk.
Members of the ManiAACs stepped in to give the man some Mavericks’ goodies – beads and other items with the logo on them.
He then asked about the upcoming season and what we thought the team would be like.
It was a vivid reminder that not all fans are able to make it to American Airlines Center. Some can’t even follow on television.
But they are fans.
And while the man might never have any interaction again with the Mavericks on a personal basis, for one afternoon, he got to mingle, ask questions and shake hands with Grimes.
This is why donating hours to the community good is every bit as important as donating dollars.
Maybe more important.
Helping human beings will make you feel better, stronger, happier.
And it’s something that should never have an offseason.
X: @ESefko
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