(Bakersfield, Calif., May 27, 2008) – Coaches, ownership and staff for the Bakersfield Jam, members of the NBA Development League, and Swish, the team's mascot, visited San Joaquin Community Hospital recently, spending time with patients and hospital employees. The two-day visits were a show of appreciation for the hard-working, dedicated employees of SJCH during their annual Hospital Week celebration.

Jam head coach Scott Roth and his assistant coaches, Dean Martin and 12-year NBA veteran, Sean Rooks, greeted doctors, nurses and any other hospital employees that came across their path. Roth especially enjoyed presenting hospital staff with Jam memorabilia and other goodies. “These people are the dedicated individuals that keep this community healthy and being able to thank them in person is very special,” he said.

The photo opportunities were endless with members of the hospital staff posing with the 6’10” Rooks and 6’8” Roth. One long-time hospital staffer recognized Rooks and beamed during the photo op with one of his “favorite Lakers.” Swish visited with numerous patients, bringing smiles and spreading cheer to everyone he encountered.

Jarrod McNaughton, associate vice president of SJCH was on hand to witness the atmosphere and stated, “We're so delighted to partner with the Jam. The entire Jam organization is community focused and truly interested in making our community a better place. Their support of the hospital during our recent Hospital Week activities not only brought smiles to our patients but to our entire employee family. The team and Swish made a lasting impact by bringing encouragement and support to patients and employees.”

The visit is part of the ongoing efforts of the Jam organization’s community involvement and the D-League Cares programs. Some of the recent activities include participation in Taft’s Jr. NBA/WNBA Skills Challenge, assemblies conducted at Greenfield Union School District for “Get Fit Week”, and joining Buena Vista Elementary for Celebrity Reading Day.