Adam Bergen, Las Vegas Locos tight end, has quickly become a community fixture in Las Vegas.  In the past six weeks, he has visited Las Vegas four times for various Las Vegas Locos events, as well as discussing his new charity 87 Plays, which will benefit the athletic departments of schools that have been hit hard by the recession and budget cuts.

During recent visits, Bergen has been making arrangements for two fundraising events for 87 Plays.  Bergen has been diligently working on these events in order to help raise money for local youth sports programs and schools athletic departments. 

According to Bergen, he started 87 Plays because he “wanted to do something to give back to the community. Vegas has been good to us, having the Locos here, the fans were really supportive last year.”

“It was just the right thing to do”.  Bergen added.

Bergen was hearing how “the sports programs were starting to get affected by the economy” due to all of the budget cuts. 

“My life is focused, centered around sports so that is the best way I could give back to Vegas.”

87 Plays has two upcoming events. 

ZABAS / JOE’S CRAB SHACK

In September, 87 Plays, along with Zaba’s / Joe’s Crab Shack (on West Flamingo) will kick off an athletic equipment drive.  They will be accepting donations for new or good condition used athletic equipment.  This will culminate in a two day event on October 9 and 10 at the Zaba’s / Joe’s Crab Shack locations on West Flamingo at the I-215.  The two day event will feature live music, raffles and auctions.    

According to Bergen it will be “just a fun time everyone can have”. 

87 Plays got involved with Zaba’s as Zaba’s was also “looking to give back to the community” Bergen added.  “We are excited for the opportunity” to work with Zaba’s. 

All donations and proceeds will go towards local youth and school sports programs. 

Details are still tentative and are subject to change. 

STRIKES 4 SPORTS

Strikes 4 Sports is a bowling event taking place on November 13, 2010 at Red Rock Lanes inside the Red Rock Resort.  Registration begins at 11:00 am and bowling starts at 12:00 pm. 

It is the “first event solely held by 87 Plays”, according to Bergen.   He has been getting “a lot of positive feedback from the community, a lot of people are excited.” 

After the bowling is completed, there will be a mix of silent auctions and raffles.    

The cost to attend this event is $100 per bowler (there are discounts available for groups).  Included for each bowler is: 2 bowling games, all you can eat food, 5 raffle tickets, shoe rental and a T-Shirt with a gift bag. 

Sponsorships are still available for this event.  One of the sponsorships available is the Strike Sponsor.  For every strike, the sponsor will pay $3, with a maximum of $2500.  Also available are fixed amount monetary sponsorships and gift sponsorships.

All proceeds from this event will go towards Nevada youth sports programs and school athletic departments. 

Earlier this week, Bergen reported that 87 Plays is now a 501(c)(3) corporation, making it an official non-profit organization where donations are tax deductible.   

To sign up for bowling or for more information on 87 Plays, please visit the 87 Plays website at www.87plays.org.

Article written by Joe Buda