For the past five years, the McDonald’s Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament has taken over the city of Pasadena during the third week in November—and this year proves to be no different.

With 80 teams competing for the championship prizes, it is certain this year’s tournament will provide endless excitement and entertainment for all involved. In order to ensure the success of the event, community involvement and sponsors are essential. Good sponsors for a good cause, is definitely a phrase that could not be emphasized more.

“All profits derived from this tournament are donated annually to the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation, which provides grants to deserving teachers and students for a myriad of projects they work on each year,” said tournament chairman Ben Meador. “These programs typically require funding that is not available from normal budgetary sources.”

One example of a project made possible by foundation funds is Pasadena Memorial High School’s “Switched-On Physics: Engineering Wave Phenomena,” which is an on-going project that has allowed AP physics students to design and build a fully functional digital pipe organ. Project coordinator Scott Graham said if it weren’t for the increase in tournament sponsors each year, the foundation would not be able to increase the number of grants given each year and the implementation of his project would not be possible.

“Businesses should realize that any contribution to the tournament, no matter how small, allows our students to learn in extraordinary ways and provides them with experiences they would not otherwise have because our budgets don’t allow for it,” Graham said. “I have been fortunate to see just how much good these projects and grants do for our students. We are truly grateful to the foundation and all of our sponsors, and we are forever in their debt in so many ways.”

The tournament has generated more revenue with each passing year. In 2003, $10,000 was an impressive first year collection. For the 2007 tournament, the goal of $100,000 was set and achieved. This year, the bar will be raised and expectations for the tournament are greater than ever.

“We have been very blessed to have the support of so many generous people who have assisted in achieving these goals. We will continue to have high expectations, but we have not yet established a goal for this year. We think we will definitely meet and exceed what was done in 2007,” Meador said.  “We have great momentum and we anticipate the number of sponsors this year may increase dramatically.”

The Texas Invitational has grown to be one of the nation’s premier high school events. With over 80 teams and 30,000 spectators viewing 200 games, it is a feast for any basketball fan. The tournament is host to many of Texas’ finest high school basketball talent.

“Sixty-five percent of the teams playing in this tournament were in the state playoffs this past year. The defending state 5A boys and girls champions were here last year and will be returning,” Meador said. “A number of our teams were nationally ranked last year.  We expect continued growth and we already are talking about adding 16 more girls’ teams, bringing our total to 96 teams.”

Not only is the tournament beneficial for the school district, but it also provides the city with increased activity and economic growth.

“This tournament brings considerable revenue into our city over the three day period and as we expand that revenue increases for our area businesses,” said Meador.

Community involvement and volunteers go hand-in-hand with the tournament. Without the help of so many dedicated individuals, Meador said the success of the tournament would not be possible.

“We have 50 community leaders who work on our steering committee year round.  Over 400 volunteers are involved working with the tournament in some way,” said Meador. “This tournament has a lot to offer our sponsors in advertising possibilities and there is a sponsor level that fits the budget of every business.” 

Becoming a sponsor for the tournament offers a great opportunity for corporate sponsors and businesses to support the tournament and school district by participating in one of five levels.

For the first time, the Pasadena Lions Club is a Gold sponsor for the tournament. The Lions have a strong commitment supporting Pasadena ISD by providing eyeglasses to children in the district who cannot afford them. Meeting the vision needs of local children is the top priority of Lions Clubs around the world, and for many years the Pasadena Lions Club has helped hundreds of needy Pasadena ISD children.

“Our club has an annual ‘Walk For Sight’ to raise money for eyeglasses. Elementary and fifth and sixth grade students participate and raise money for this event. The event has been very successful due to the efforts of the Pasadena ISD physical education teachers and students, and contributing back in this way is our pleasure,” said Joey Bowers, president of the Pasadena Lions Club.

“We are motivated to sponsor because money generated from the basketball tournament is used to help the teachers and students districtwide,” Bowers said. “The district is made up of many wonderful, caring people, and our club understands the importance of helping them succeed.”

The McDonald’s Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament is a prime opportunity for businesses to contribute to a worthwhile cause. Combining superior Texas athletics along with the help and support of the community is what has made this tournament one of the state’s leading high school sports events.

“People like to support our schools, and there is no better investment than to invest in the education of our youth,” Meador said.

To become a tournament sponsor, please contact Rita Townsend, tournament Executive Assistant, at 713-986-0527. For more information on the tournament, visit www.texasinvitational.com.