SALT LAKE CITY -- The theft of a peewee team’s uniforms and equipment was devastating.
The gear, amounting in $1,600, was stolen out of Percy Pearson’s truck, coach for the Rose Park Panthers.
The basketball and football team is made up of 7- and 8-year-old kids, all from low-income families who couldn’t afford to replace the equipment.
After FOX 13 News reported this story Jan. 29, a GoFundMe account was set up by parents to raise money to purchase new equipment. Within hours, the community had raised enough money to cover the costs for new uniforms and gear.
FOX 13 News caught up with the Panthers Tuesday at a basketball game.
“I feel happy, I feel excited,” said Rose Park Panther Quencee Bradford.
The community raised more than $5,000 to help the Panthers. Although they don’t have their new uniforms yet, the team is excited and grateful for the support.
Pearson and his players say they are overwhelmed and humbled by the support. They're excited to get new uniforms and say anyone is welcome to come out and support them at their games.
