When it came time to do something special outside of the time they spend together on the basketball court, members of the Marian Fillies cage team never hesitated.

They seized the opportunity to put smiles on the faces of children and adults with special needs, playing an integral role in “It’s a Very Special Halloween Party,” a recent event held at Eurana Park, Weatherly, for those with challenges.

Organized by John and Desi Furmanchin and Suzanne Simkovich and Tyree Harris of Weatherly, the gala attracted about 100 special needs people, their families and their caregivers, making the pre-Halloween event one that will long be remembered.

Desi Furmanchin said the party was open, with no residence nor age limitations. Guests came from Weatherly, Jim Thorpe, Nesquehoning, Tresckow, Hazleton and other locales.

As for the Fillies, Desi contacted her fellow Weatherly Area High School graduate and basketball player, Sue Sernak-Martinelli, president of the Marian Fillies Booster Club, inviting the team’s participation, and the members were “all in” to help.

Team members, accompanied by Sernak-Martinelli and Coach Damian Fritz were hosts for the event. Some of the girls helped the guests decorate pumpkins, others oversaw games, some put temporary tattoos on the guests at their requests, and, to the delight of the guests, the Fillies took to the dance floor to lead the guests in dancing.

Others involved in the program included John Simkovich, who provided balloon artwork, and DJ Petrilla and Sernak Farms donated pumpkins and bales of hay for the festivities.

“We stress to the girls the importance of doing things together as a team, other than basketball, and so this was an opportunity they readily accepted,” said Sernak-Martinelli.

Their participation, she said, was rewarding to the girls, but certainly appreciated by the party organizers.

She said, “The compliments the girls received from caregivers about how they interacted with the guests was amazing. A lot of people would be uncomfortable if asked to do that, so it was really heartwarming to see the girls interact.”

Her daughter, Frankie, said, “I really enjoyed putting a smile on their faces. It made me feel so good knowing I was able to help.”

Teammate Carly Minchoff added, “I had fun and enjoyed spending time with them. It was a great day.”

While the girls received personal satisfaction from their volunteerism, the organizers heaped accolades on them.

Suzanne Simkovich said, “The girls were incredible. They were a class act and their interaction with the individuals was wonderful. It was so much appreciated.”

Desi Furmanchin added, “I honestly can’t say thank you enough to the girls for coming to help. Everyone there was so impressed with them, how kind they are. They made the event fun for the guests and weren’t afraid to interact with everyone. It was a beautiful day and we appreciate all of you so much.”

Sernak-Martinelli said the event was a prime example of “how students at a small school get the opportunities to be more involved with the community.

The Fillies plan on participating in the event next year. “It made them, and us realize how fortunate we are. My heart was full that day to be able to see it. To be able to make the guests smile was a small gift to them,” Sernak-Martinelli said.

Team member Kerrigan Digris noted, “We had such a good time. It was so nice to see the kids and adults get along and just enjoying being there. Every time I gave a temporary tattoo to one of them and saw their faces, it made my day. The other girls could definitely say the same about dancing and other games we helped out with.”

Fillie Ashley Pleban put a closing perspective on the event, saying, ’’Being a part of something that was bigger than basketball is something that is a valuable lesson to all athletes. We were lucky and fortunate to be offered this opportunity. Being able to help make someone’s day a little bit brighter is the best feeling in the world. The joy on everyone’s faces was worth more than any win in a game.”