"She's just fascinated by them:" Harlem Globetrotters help Wauwatosa woman check item off bucket list



WAUWATOSA -- A Wauwatosa woman enjoyed the lesson of a lifetime on Monday, December 14th. The Harlem Globetrotters helped her check an item off her bucket list!

Rightie Pappenheim is the kind of person who always appreciates a strong skill set -- whether its ballet or basketball.

"She is just fascinated by them and always wanted to see them and all the tricks and stunts they can do," Amy Bielawsky, life enrichment director at the Harwood Place Retirement Community said.

Rightie Pappenheim meets Harlem Globetrotters



82-year-old Pappenheim enjoys an elite performance. In fact, she said Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers recent Hail Mary pass for the win vs. the Lions comes to mind.

"Suffering through the first part of the game was worthwhile to see that," Pappenheim said.

Rightie Pappenheim



On Monday for Pappenheim, it was all about the Harlem hoops.

Pappenheim is a resident of the Harwood Place Retirement Community, which has a new "bucket list" program.

"All residents have the opportunity to submit bucket lists to us. We are going through and goal is to accomplish as many as possible," Bielawsky said.

And Pappenheim the sports fan has always wanted to see the Harlem Globetrotters in action.

Rightie Pappenheim meets Harlem Globetrotters



"We will actually be taking a group of residents with Rightie on New Year's Eve for their 1:00 p.m. show at the Bradley Center," Bielawsky said.

In the meantime, Pappenheim had her own meet-and-greet with two Globetrotters on Monday.

"Some of the younger generations may not be familiar with what the Globetrotters do and after seeing these demonstrations, maybe they will have more appreciation," Pappenheim said.

Speaking of the younger generation, Pappenheim's grandson and great grandchildren joined her as she crossed off this bucket list item.

Rightie Pappenheim meets Harlem Globetrotters



"It's amazing. I can hardly believe it. She is really shocked and so am I, actually. Kind of a once in a lifetime thing!" Greg Masslich said.

The Harlem Globetrotters made several appearances throughout the Milwaukee area Monday -- including at Elm Creative Arts Elementary School and a meet-and-greet with Hank the Ballpark Pup!

Rightie Pappenheim meets Harlem Globetrotters



CLICK HERE to learn more about the Harlem Globetrotters, or to purchase tickets for their New Year's Eve event at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.