Recently the Whitehall High School Zephyr basketball team, along with coaches and middle school teachers Corey Frantz and Jeffrey Jones, took time out to visit one of the team's devoted fans, Ray Gilbert.

When the coaches received word that Gilbert had become ill, they sprang into action to honor and show him how much he is appreciated by the WHS basketball program. He and his wife, along with their son, Jay Gilbert, and daughter, Cheryl and her husband, have been generous supporters for many years for the school, as well as fans. They never miss a basketball game and are season ticket holders.

When Ray Gilbert became ill, he was unable to come out for some games.

Frantz and Jones purchased a basketball and asked their middle school colleague, Dan Danneker, to paint a message on it.

Danneker was happy to be a part of this mission. He did an outstanding job and donated many hours of his time. As Danneker was decorating the basketball, Gilbert was progressing and recovering. The basketball was colorfully painted and read "Zephyr Hoops # 1 Fan Ray Gilbert."

When it was completed, Frantz and Jones, along with a few team players, visited Gilbert at the Allentown Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital. Gilbert's family was present for the surprise visit, as the Zephs presented the basketball to him.

The #1 Fan, Gilbert and his family were thrilled and touched by their kindness and it even brought on some tears.

"It was a great experience for everyone," Frantz said. "We were happy and honored to be a part of helping the Gilbert family. It was also an inspirational and impressionable message for the high school basketball players."

"The Gilbert family does so much for the WHS Zephyr Hoops and the community," Jones said. "It was great to be able to show our appreciation to them."

Gilbert's recovery is progressing well and he has returned home very happily with his new prized possession, his "Zephyr Hoops" basketball.