Money stolen from an Owasso benefit

Practically everything Jalen Lowe knows about basketball he learned from his dad.<br/>But his favorite coach is no longer watching from the sidelines. Jaylen's father Calvin was killed in a car accident

Sunday, December 18th 2005, 6:20 pm

By: News On 6

Practically everything Jalen Lowe knows about basketball he learned from his dad.
But his favorite coach is no longer watching from the sidelines. Jaylen's father Calvin was killed in a car accident last month.

Benefit organizer Mark Fivecoats: "He's just a great kid. He's handled it as good as any 11-year-old could possibly handle something like this."

Jaylen has seen more than his fair share of hard times he lost his biological mother when he was just a toddler. But his teammates and coaches have rallied behind him. They organized this basketball tournament in loving memory of Calvin Lowe and to help raise money for Jaylen and his stepmother.

Jaylen Lowe, 11 years old: "its fun and i'm glad they helped out."

The tournament was a success raising about $4,500 in the first two days. But then the unthinkable happened every cent was stolen.

Mark Fivecoats: "it was just disheartening to put all of this hard work into it, trying to do the right thing. And to have someone come in and take it all away it was harsh.

Organizers say teams came from all over to participate, not caring so much about wining or losing but determined to help out a friend.

Benefit organizer Mike Hurd: "They did it, they played up a year or two years just to contribute to this tournament and for the cause we're trying to do and to have someone come in and destroy it, its a shame, it really is."

Despite all that's happened, Jaylen's family, coaches and teammates refuse to give up.

In fact, they've just redoubled their efforts putting up notices about the theft and asking for more donations.

Rochelle Price, Jaylen's Grandmother: "bad people everywhere, hope someting positive will still come out of it."

Maybe the good people in the world will outshine the bad, for this little boy and his family.

If you know who might have taken the money, you're asked to call Owasso Police at 272-2244.

If you would like to donate, you can mail checks to:

Exchange Bank
C/O Jaylene Lowe
P.O. Box 1857
9701 E. 86th ST. North
Owasso, OK 74055