Warsaw Tiger basketball fan Janet Price had surprise visitors at her Warsaw home Sunday. Allison Hayes, former FOX 28 sports anchor, who now works for the Big Ten Network; Hayes’ daughter, Emery; and Doug Ogle, Warsaw boy’s basketball coach, paid a visit to Price’s home. Ogle’s family, Warsaw Tigers men’s basketball players, and Hal Gunter, assistant varsity boy’s basketball coach, also attended. Hayes presented Price with the One Good Deed Michiana recognition that Ogle nominated Price to receive. The recognition was to show appreciation for Price’s commitment in supporting the Warsaw Tigers basketball team for the past 20 years and serving the community. Price, 37, has been attending Tiger basketball games since she was six months old. Price is the first recipient of the honor for people who think of others. Plans are to honor six people per year, Hayes said. Hayes began the non-profit organization, One Good Deed Michiana, a year ago to honor her husband, Robert Freeze, who died in a car accident last summer. Hayes said she and her daughter have experienced a lot of kindness not only from friends and family, but also from people they hardly know. Hayes said it taught her that there are people who go out of their way to help others. She started the organization to let people know that what they are doing, no matter how big or small, can make a difference. Hayes presented Price with a gift basket filled with season tickets for Price and her mother to attend Wagon Wheel Theatre, donated by the theatre, as well as Bennigan’s restaurant and Owen’s Super Market donated gift certificates and framed artwork by Nancy Swan Drew. Price also received a Nikon digital camera, tripod and case as well as some photography classes from Blosser's Photography, because she loves taking photographs and sharing them with friends. Price also received a framed nomination letter written by Ogle and a Warsaw Tigers jersey. “The idea is to let her know that what she is doing is appreciated and we hope she inspires others to do the same,” Hayes said. Price provides goodie bags after every away game with motivational sayings, and treats for players during home games. She also provides gift bags for team members for Christmas and Valentine’s Day, and takes hundreds of pictures of team members at games, gets them developed, and then gives them to the players. In addition to providing the basketball players with treats and gifts, she serves the community by providing meals for people who are going through a difficult time, sends encouragement cards, and provides baskets of treats to the community. Ogle said he first met Price when he was her seventh grade math teacher, and they connected because she loves basketball as much as he does. Ogle said he has stayed in contact with Price over the years when she has attended home games with her mother, Carol. “The team of Janet and Carol Price are to acts of kindness what Rodgers and Hammerstein were to Broadway musicals – creative, talented, and prolific,” Ogle said. Gunter said Price has a big heart. “She is very special and we are glad that she is a part of our basketball program,” Gunter said. Price said she was surprised to be recognized. “It means a lot to receive this recognition and I am emotional to think they cared enough to honor me,” Price said with tears in her eyes. Price said there are 77 days until the first men’s game of the year and she made a countdown chart. Price operates a daycare in her home and said her mother watches the daycare children so she can attend away Tiger games. Carol said her daughter started going to Tiger games when she was six months old. Tiger basketball players Nick Sands, Tim Swanson and Cameron Hoskins showed up at Price’s home Sunday to show their appreciation. “She is kind of like a second mom and the amount of care she has for the team is great,” Swanson said. “The number one super fan is what she is, it means a lot to have her support,” Price said. Follow One Good Deed Michiana on Facebook and at www.onegooddeedmichiana.org People can nominate someone for the recognition by emailing Hayes at ahayes@onegooddeedmichiana.org
