Patrons at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Lake Orion were ‘shocked? when they saw who their servers were on July 29.
The Detroit Shock basketball team donated their off-court time to wait on tables for charity.
The donned aprons and even carried around pens and paper to take orders.
The 2008 national champs of the WNBA chatted with customers, signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans–for a price.
At the 8th Annual Tip A Shock event, tips and the dollar people paid to get a picture all went to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
‘It’s a really good way for the players to interact with the fans while raising money for a great organization,? said Jamie Murdoch, community relations coordinator for the Shock.
The money is greatly appreciated.
‘It helps create much-needed awareness for diabetes,? said Kelli Dobner, associate director of special events for the ADA. ‘It’s so fantastic.?
But for the fans, it was the thrill of seeing some of the best women basketball players in the world.
‘They’re great role models for the kids,? said Sue Wiggins, whose two children, Kyle, 12, and Sarah, 8, chatted with power forward Cheryl Ford before getting their picture taken with her.
Wiggins drove to Lake Orion from Grand Blanc for the event. It’s the fifth time she’s attended.
Wiggins and her family weren’t alone. Droves poured into the restaurant from all over the region, filling the parking lot and backing up traffic on M-24.
Though it was for charity, the players were having just as much fun as the fans.
‘Mingling with the fans off the court is great,? said center Taj McWilliams. ‘And we get to raise money for a great charity.?