Basketball Fundraiser Was An Amazing Success

The excitement grew as the Wayne Valley High School gym filled to capacity.  Families and local elementary PTO’s supporting healthy, alcohol-free, family entertainment filled the stands.

Teachers from each school lined up with the anticipation of what the game would bring.  Once the tip-off announced by the game’s hero and Wayne Hills SRO; Mark Dubois the stands exploded with excitement.  The game was on! The Harlem MagicMasters returned for the 12th season in another family friendly fundraising event.

Local sponsors who support the event believe in providing family friendly entertainment such as this alcohol-free event in Wayne.  Special thanks to Mayor Chris Vergano, The DFM Foundation, Wayne PBA local 136 and assorted sponsors and Wayne Alliance volunteers including Jamie Gevirtz-Wayne Student and Alliance volunteer photographer.

“Traditionally the game is sponsored by local businesses, PTO and our hard working volunteers who support Alcohol and Drug-free events.” said Robbin Gulino, Alliance Coordinator.  "We are so happy that the local merchants like Spivak Lighting, Paul Miller BMW, The NJ Jackals, Lincoln Park Savings, Wayne Counseling, North Jersey Federal Credit Union, have so kindly found funds to support our efforts again this year.”

“This fundraiser provides much needed funding to enhance our community prevention education efforts,” Gulino said. "When asked if the Mayor supports the event, she said: “Not only does Mayor Vergano continue to support this and other alcohol-free events, he was seen cheering on the All Stars from the sidelines”

The doors opened to the Wayne Hills Percussion Team followed by a Flag Salute and The Wayne Valley choir singing a heartfelt National Anthem. 

Half-time featured Wayne Hills Competition Cheer Team and a surprise dance by the fourth and fifth grade students from J.F.K. Elementary School who recently joined a movement to say NO to drugs and alcohol in their 8 week preparation for their presentation. Under the instruction of Miss Hallock and Mrs. Kopacz, the program promotes the importance of making good choices and healthy living, through dance. The audience cheered them on in agreement.

“The event was well attended and provided the highest earnings since the fundraiser began in 2000 stated Patricia Hallock Alliance Chairperson. The funds will go directly to local educational prevention programs in Wayne.

Local elementary schools were encouraged to participate in getting the message out and earn an ice-cream party by creating a prevention poster, selling tickets and creating a raffle basket. 

Winning Schools who earned Ice Cream Parties: Posters with the best prevention message: JFK/Ryerson.

Basket earning the most sales: AP Terhune, School selling the most tickets: Lafayette Elementary.