This Lifelong Laker Fan Will High-Five Bryant During Historic Game
EL MONTE (CBSLA.com) — A lifelong Laker fan will get the chance Wednesday to high-five Kobe Bryant during his final game at the Staples Center.
Tommilynn Garza of Palmdale learned Monday that she had won the chance meeting through Omaze, a shortened play on the word "amazing."
"I'm super nervous, I am," said the 27-year-old. "It still hasn't hit me that much. I don't think it's going to until I'm there."
"It works similar to a charity raffle. Anybody can donate $10 or more for the chance to win and then it's a random selection process," said Matt Pohlson, the CEO of Omaze.
Pohlson and Ryan Cummins started the company back in 2012.
They've raised millions on $10 donations for chance experiences.
"Tommilynn will be sitting front row, center court. She'll get to meet the team before. She'll get to stand on the court as everyone is running out and she gets to high-five Kobe as he runs on the court for the last time," Pohlson said.
The experience is for two and Garza knew instantly her mom would get the second ticket.
"She's the reason why I'm a Laker fan," said Garza, who went to her first game at age 2.
But her mom wasn't so sure about joining her for the historic game.
"I asked her, 'Are you sure it is legit because, you know, it is too good to be true?' " she said.