The New York Liberty welcomed over 1,200 DC 37 members to Madison Square Garden Saturday, May 15, for a pre-season match-up with the Los Angeles Sparks. While the Liberty lost, 69-62, the home team out-rebounded the Sparks 39-33 and shot 82 percent from the foul line. The Liberty’s Becky Harmon was the high scorer with 16 points and Elena Baranova was the top rebounder, with 11.

With the massive number of tickets came a perk — the right to use the basketball court when the players were done. DC 37 Program Director Frances M. Curtis coordinated the union’s sale of discount tickets and food coupons for union members.

The post-game match-up put the spotlight on Lorraine Jones, a member of Clerical-Administrative Employees Local 1549, who used a once-in-a-lifetime appearance at center court to wed Anthony Vincent Gaskin.

“I was going to be married in June,” explained the new bride. “When my cousin found out that I won the court time in a DC 37 drawing, she suggested that I use it for my wedding. Weddings can be very expensive, and we decided to take advantage of this special opportunity,” she said.

Mr. Gaskin, a case manager for Black Veterans for Social Justice, called the experience, “Truly awesome — beyond my wildest expectations. I was in awe — at the way my bride looked — at the ambiance — standing there at center court.” Mrs. Jones-Gaskin is a Secretary at the Dept. of Citywide Administrative Services. She is active in the Recreation and Political Action committees of Local 1549.

The couple’s story began when Ms. Jones spoke at a support group for individuals who had lost their spouses. Mr. Gaskin was in the audience and was drawn to her “sensitive, caring nature.” After a year of courtship, he proposed to her on Valentine’s Day at Junior’s Restaurant. The Rev. Dr. David L. Kelley of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Brooklyn performed the ceremony.

“Hearing the words of my pastor kind of helped me to set the tone for our new life together,” said the bride. “I grabbed his words and held onto them.”

Both bridge and groom said the most memorable part of the ceremony was “our first married kiss,” which came as soon as the Rev. Kelley pronounced the words: “You may now kiss the bride.”

— Jane LaTour