Night of hoops raises cash for students

A fun night of hoops, tricks, and alley-oops raked in nearly $38,000 last week for the West Chester Area Education Foundation. The foundation hosted a night with the world-famous Harlem Wizards basketball team on Nov. 16 with proceeds benefitting students in the West Chester Area School District.

The game, which was played at East High School, pitted the West Chester Schoolers, a team of teachers, administrators, and students against the aerodynamically impressive Harlem Wizards.

Tickets holders were given the opportunity to purchase a meet and greet with players before the game. Children had the option of becoming “Wiz Kids” and participated in activities on the court with the players.

Heart-pumping music flooded East High School’s gymnasium as the crowd of all ages marveled at the Wizards’ athletic prowess as they flew through the air making dunk after dunk and trick shots. The Wizards also entertained the crowd with comedic breaks, games, and impromptu dance sessions.

Tickets for the family-friendly charitable event sold out in record time, which WCAEF president, Steve Brightbill said is a true testament to the support the community shows for the WCASD.

“The West Chester Area Education Foundation is very grateful to the community for their ongoing support throughout the years. This is the most successful fundraiser we’ve had to date, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the backing of our sponsors, the community and the countless volunteers who helped out at the game. Given the smiles on the faces of our guests, I would say everyone had a great time.”

The Wizards dominated the game until the third quarter when the Schoolers called up players from East, Henderson, and Rustin’s boys and girls basketball teams. The students challenged the Wizards and closed the gap on the scoreboard. The score at the end of the night did not matter, however; the students of the West Chester Area School District were the ultimate winners.

“The money we raised will go a long way in furthering the mission of the West Chester Area Education Foundation,” said superintendent, Dr. Jim Scanlon.

“The foundation was created in 2010, with the goal to supplement creative, meaningful, realworld experiences for students in the West Chester Area School District. One of the ways we accomplish this is by forging partnerships with area businesses that provide our students with

internships and job shadowing opportunities.

“The money will not only support those efforts, but it will also provide minigrants to our classroom teachers that support initiatives in the areas of science, math, engineering, technology, and the arts. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $400,000,”

continued Scanlon.

Scanlon said the event was such a success that plans are in the works to hold it again next year.

Scanlon thanked the evening’s presenting sponsor, Cutanea Life Sciences, creator of the impetigo drug, Xepi.

Additional sponsors included Pediatric Therapeutic Services; ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center; Bentley; Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning; Fulton Bank; Krapf Bus Company; Nudy’s Cafe; Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees; Blackney Hayes Architects; CCIU - Technical College High School (Brandywine Campus); Fischer Cunnane; Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union; Gawthrop Greenwood, PC; Goshen Family Chiropractic; Health Kids Running Series; Main Line Financial Solutions; On the Go Kids; Taylor’s Music; Tuttle Marketing; the West Chester Area School District Board of Directors.

SUBMITTED PHOTO “Wiz Kids” spend some time with members of the Harlem Wizards before the game.

SUBMITTED PHOTO A young West Chester basketball fan gets to practice her spinning skills with “Swoop” from the Harlem Wizards.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The sold-out crowd in West Chester dances along to “YMCA.”