Vince Lombardi is known for his thoughts on football, hard work and success. But when he said, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor,” he could very well be singing the praises of Mike Goff, hard-working father and local owner of Arsenal Promotions.
Arsenal’s annual Celebrity Basketball Game takes place this year on Saturday, June 17, from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Timberline High School. A few of this year’s celebrities include Seahawks Ricardo Lockette, Joe Tafoya, Hillary Butler, Jordan Babineaux, Orlando Huff, and Deshon Foxx. Also playing will be musicians Ethan Tucker and Rocky Sandoval and comedians Brian Moote and Monica Nevi.
Many of these celebs are local to Western Washington as are participating to show their support of local businesses and tribal sponsors. This is entirely by choice and design. Goff wants the event to be by, for and about our vibrant, thriving region. And, pulling it all off takes time and skill – something Goff has honed over the years at the helm of Arsenal Promotions.
Currently in its fourth year, the game’s future was in doubt when Lacey’s Dream Team Park, the original event organizer, changed hands. But business owners rallied together and brought in Arsenal to keep things going smoothly. Arsenal’s reputation for community support and quality event organization spoke for itself and Goff has been at the helm ever since.
As a charitable fundraiser, years one and two supported youth baseball, year three benefitted Community Youth Services, and this year the game supports the Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County’s Lacey chapter as well as several other local groups. Arsenal also used monies raised last year to adopt four military families during Thanksgiving and Christmas and plans to continue the connection to and support of local military families.
$5 of each ticket sold by the Boys and Girls Club, Timberline Cheerleader Booster Club, and Inspired to Move Dance Academy will return to the selling organization. A portion of total earnings will be donated to the Ricardo Lockette Foundation which helps combat childhood homelessness and domestic violence and $5 from each online ticket sold helps JBLM military family nonprofits.
Photo credit: Mike Goff
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. “We keep costs low because we want to keep this more as a community event,” explains Goff, “and we’re trying to keep local businesses tied in.” With an hour-long meet and greet before the game, players mingling through the crowd signing autographs any time they’re not on the floor, and a fun-filled afternoon of hoops, sports fans get major bang for their buck.
Mike Goff’s big heart, dedication, and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Corporate sponsors including Lucky Eagle Casino, Washington National Guard, Garcia Entertainment, Steadman Properties, and Spin Tees have contributed to the event since the beginning.
The same is true of returning celebrities: this is the third year of participation for Deshon Foxx, a former Seahawk now playing for the New York Jets, and the second year for Ricardo Lockette.
Online 5-star reviews echo Goff’s commitment. Frazer Loveman, owner of 1Love Media, shares that “I have worked with Arsenal Promotions and Mike in particular on a number of occasions. Mike is one of those people who you feel you have known your whole life after five minutes of meeting him. Every event I have attended where Arsenal Promotions have been involved is professional run, on time, with an amazing vibe and awesome people.”
Goff’s commitment to this event is overshadowed only by his commitment to community. The Celebrity Basketball Game not only brings people together and raises money for good causes, but emphasizes Goff’s love of our area. By supporting different charities each year, he spreads the support net widely. And, by connecting the celebrity clout to even small-scale non-profits, everyone wins.
Over time, Goff hopes the event will expand and grow, perhaps even filling Saint Martin’s Marcus Pavilion. Each year he reaches out to more celebs and more local businesses, growing awareness of the event alongside the fun.
This year’s addition of local singer-songwriter Ethan Tucker, a recent contestant on NBC’s The Voice, again showcases Goff’s commitment to community. Touring nationally, Tucker, like Goff, loves nothing more than performing for his hometown crowd.
Goff will also host the Cassius Marsh Football Camp on Sunday, June 4 in Renton Stadium. This training camp for kids will allow them to get up close and personal with the football star, learning from one of the best.
To learn about sponsorship opportunities at this year’s or future Celebrity Basketball Games, call Goff at 360-358-2458 or email info@arsenalpromotions.com.
Lombardi also claimed that “success demands singleness of purpose.”
With his love of family, sports and community, Mike Goff and Arsenal Promotions are sure to thrive.
