AMY SZPARA

RESERVE – Residents of the St. John the Baptist Parish community pulled together for a friendly game of basketball Wednesday night at East St. John High School to help raise money for a little boy who has cancer. Basketball fans, locals who wanted to see parish officials on the court, those rooting for the St. John team and, especially, those who are rooting for a sick little boy in their parish came out to watch the St. John team play against disc jockeys from Tiger Country 100.7. And they were in for a treat, because their team wasn’t too shabby. They beat the radio DJs 65-47. Though a good time was had by all and lots of raffle prizes were given, the reason for the game was not forgotten. Colby Boudreaux, a 7-year-old from LaPlace, was diagnosed with a rare form of neurological cancer in late December and was just released from Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans Wednesday. Though unable to attend the game held in his honor, a video tape was recorded for Colby to later watch. Colby’s father, Bobbie Boudreaux, who is an electrician technician for the parish, said his son was scheduled to begin six weeks of radiation shortly after his release from the hospital. The same day he returned home his father helped him ride his bike for a little while because he had missed playing outside. He said he is grateful to the way the community has reached out to his family and his son. What started as severe headaches that would wake Colby up at night turned into a nightmare for the family when they later learned that he had cancer, said his father. He added that his son “is fighting hard.” Colby’s grandmother, JoAnn Boudreaux, who works in the cafeteria at her grandson’s school, said Colby’s spirits are high. She said she had talked with him on the telephone right before the game. LaPlace Elementary School, where Colby attends, has been collecting donations for him. The basketball game, which cost the public $2 a person to see, was sponsored by LaPlace Elementary School, as well. All proceeds went to the Boudreaux family. Not only did the monies from admission go to the child, but money was also raised by selling refreshments, raffles and charging a small fee for a half-time half-court contest. Colby’s class even shot for him. The East St. John cheerleaders performed during halftime, as well. Raffle prizes included a signed Saints football, a donated painting, Come Back Inn gift certificates, a gift basket, The Place Bar and Grill gift certificates and other gift certificates and prizes from both local businesses and others in the New Orleans area. Pepsi America, Abita Springs, Winn-Dixie, Subway, Wendy’s, Sicily’s Pizza, Zapp’s Potato Chips and local baked foods were all donated to the concession stand to raise money. The disc jockeys from Tiger Country 100.7, who often play benefit games, challenged the men of St. John Parish. Colby’s coach and team player Walter Coleman put the team together. “We did it because it needed to be done,” he said. “I want people to know our parish president really embraced the idea. That’s a good sign of how this administration works. It’s a new St. John. Nickie’s dedicated to his employees.” St. John Parish President Nickie Monica was also on Colby’s team. “This proves that St. John Parish can really pull together. That’s one thing about St. John. When someone needs something, we come together,” he said. The week before the game the St. John team and the DJs talked trash, telling each other they were going to wipe the court with the other team, said Capt. Mike Tregre of the sheriff’s office and a member of Colby’s team. Other Colby’s members were parish employees, sheriff’s office employees and other dedicated St. John men. Barry Bleakly, Errol Manuel, Will Campbell, Timmy Byrd, Clarence Gray, Todd Millet, Kevin Branch, Vince Lucia, Mike Ambrose, James Smith (Coach Smitty), Juan Watkins and Jeff Clement all graced the court and helped slam Tiger Country. Radio DJs Bob Bishop and Little Jimmy Brooks were the announcers for their third game to help local children. They were 0-2 before meeting the St. John men, but Wednesday night brought them their third loss. “We don’t care who wins,” said Bishop. “Although we would like to win one game in our career,” added Brooks. The DJs arrived in style, in a white stretch limousine. “We like to arrive in style,” said Bishop. “Since we’re going to get our butts kicked, we have to at least look good pulling up and leaving. We prefer style over substance.” Two people instrumental in getting the baskeball event rolling were Gary Baker, father of a LaPlace Elementary student and frequent volunteer, and Margarite Fleming, president of the school’s PTO. “I’ve had Colby on my mind ever since I heard about it,” said Baker. He said that people have been generous with donations. “We appreciate them all.” “We wanted to do something,” said Fleming, “so we decided to have the PTO do the concession for Colby. The raffles started by me getting the football through a friend who works for the Saints. The other donations just snowballed from that. “We’ve received lots of donations. The community opened up their hearts and their pocketbooks. It’s been beautiful.” LaPlace Elementary School Principal Courtney P. Millet added that Baker and Fleming worked nonstop to put the event together. The total amount of proceeds and donations was $7,981.22. LaPlace Elementary welcomes any donations for Colby. Donations can be dropped off at the school or mailed to LaPlace Elementary, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace, LA 70068.