Phil Waterford had the opportunity to participate in the second-ever $50k Charity Challenge Celebrity Basketball Game at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion.

Proceeds went to Teen Cancer America,  

The owner of Manteca Ford takes pride in his hoop game, but recalled having a tough time shooting during this second-ever event sponsored by Monster Energy on July 8.

“Before the game during warmups, my shots were not falling at all,” Waterford said.

He went into the locker room, prayed, changed his shoes, and found his #TeamMason bracelet for Mason Ferrulli, 13, who recently underwent a medical procedure for brain cancer.

“Everything changed after that,” said Waterford, who not only participated in the halftime skills challenge but got on a roll shooting corner 3s.

At one point, he hit 10 in a row.

More importantly, Waterford earned $5,000 for some of his favorite local charities.

Along with Mason, he earned money to help benefit Inner City Action, a non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to changing communities for the better, one city at a time.

Frank and Kim Saldana have been working with the homeless in Manteca.

On Thursday, Frank Saldana was touched to receive a $2,500 for that cause from Waterford

“This (donation) will help them in a variety of ways,” Saldana said. “Our goal is to get (our homeless people) back to their feet by helping them with housing and locating jobs.

“It’s important they have that purpose and passion in their lives.”

Waterford met the Saldanas via Pastor Mike Dillman in his many community outreach endeavors, in particular, the annual Christmas Eve Breakfast held at Manteca Ford, about five years ago.

“Frank and Kim are heroes in our community,” Waterford said.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.