Matches from the West Point and Hudson Valley mentoring programs were invited to the Thayer Hotel at the West Point Campus for the 'Game Mania Event', which kicked off the Fall 2007 year. Mentors and mentees came together to play interactive game shows developed by volunteer game show host, Jay Thomas. He got the crowd excited with his multimedia presentation that allowed each match to work together to win thousands of "fake dollars". Jay, along with his assistant Michele LoFaso, guided teams to their winnings and noted that there had been more winnings on this day than he has seen at any other event he has done.

Sara Wingerath, Mentoring Coordinator, caught up with Ian Schlanger after the event and he was happy to relay that, "Nick and I had a great time. It was a lot of fun playing these classic game shows with the mentors and mentees of the West Point program. The host, Jay Thomas, did a superb job and it really felt like I was on the set of a live TV game show." Ian Schlanger, has been a mentor to Nick since November 2006 in the Hudson Valley Program. Mr. Thomas made an effort not only to get to know each "contestant" but to ask about their matches and celebrate each friendship and their time together. "Mentoring allows children to have an extra support system in their life," Wingerath said. Being able to bring two Mentoring programs together was a dynamic group opportunity and a fun time had by all!

Eric Wong, West Point Mentor, with his mentee and mentee's mother.

Samir Patel and his mentee pose for a laugh.

William Green and his mentee celebrate the victory.

Meredith Cox and her mentee enjoying lunch.

Raise your hand please.                                                 Ian Schlanger, Hudson Valley Mentor,

                                                                                       and his mentee.