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LOCAL NEWS I 5 DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER I DECEMBER 3, 2014 ConnectforHealthCO.com Connect for Health Colorado ® makes it easier than ever to find health insurance so you're protected from life's little surprises. It's time to renew or choose your coverage for 2015. Less expensive plans are available. Shop and compare options now! We all need health insurance. The only place to get financial assistance Find a broker or health coverage guide for free in-person help Sign up by Dec. 15 for Jan. 1 coverage BY NISSA LAPOINT Organizers behind the inaugural Cath- olic Families Night with the Denver Nug- gets Dec. 14 want to give participating youths from area schools a memorable experience. "We hope it's one of those experiences they may never forget—that they had a chance to get on the court where the Den- ver Nuggets play," said Jeff Stemper, one of the organizers. Stemper, a parishioner at Most Precious Blood Parish, is helping to create a series of pre-game events for Catholic school students during the special group night at the Pepsi Center. Youths will be given the chance to par- ticipate in a free pre-game basketball clin- ic at noon on game day. Students were also selected to participate in the national anthem, a flag presentation and player high-five tunnel before the Denver Nug- gets face off against last year's NBA cham- pions, the San Antonio Spurs. "At one point the kids will get T-shirts and they'll be able to high-five players as they're coming out on the court," Stemper said. Bill Hanzlik, a retired Nuggets basket- ball player and coach and parishioner at St. Thomas More Church in Centennial, is organizing the group night during which he'll interview special guest Archbishop Samuel Aquila. The interview will appear on the Altitude Sports channel. Discounted tickets are available for Catholic families to purchase before the game. "The Nuggets have made it such a great opportunity for these families to attend at an affordable ticket price," Stemper said. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit the St. Sebastian Project Denver, an organization that supplies inner-city Catholic schools with grants to help stem the costs of its athletic programs. Stemper said he started the project about five years ago to support Catholic school youths, who desire to play but may lack the necessary uniforms, equipment or funds. "The St. Sebastian Project's goal is to let these kids participate and play a sport while also feeling like a part of their team and their school, and taking pride in it," Stemper said. This year the project is aiding 14 Catho- lic school's athletic programs, he said. Nuggets game a slam dunk for families CATHOLIC FAMILIES NIGHT When: 6 p.m. Dec. 14 (pre-game activi- ties start at noon) Where: Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver Special guest: Archbishop Samuel Aquila Students: encouraged to wear their school colors to game Pre-game events: free basketball clinic for students in fifth-eighth grades; registration open until Dec. 11 at www. csalden.org Tickets: $15 upper level, $45 for lower level Purchase: www.nuggetstix.com/ catholicfamilies Details: Call 303-405-7635 or email lmarchbanks@pepsicenter.com