Oswego, Yorkville High Schools Team Up For Hoops For Hope Fundraiser

OSWEGO, IL — Yorkville and Oswego high schools may be facing off on the court, but they'll still be coming together to raise money as part of the collaborative Hoops for Hope fundraiser this weekend.

Money raised at the annual event at Yorkville High School, 797 Game Farm Road, on Saturday will benefit Cal's Angels, an organization that raises awareness, researches and grants wishes for patients with pediatric cancer.

"We have a combined total of over $40,000 raised in our 11 years of working together," organizers said in a letter to sponsors. "We would like to make this year our best year as we celebrate 12 years of fighting such a terrible disease that has impacted so many."

The event, meant to recognize anyone who has fought cancer, is centered around basketball — players from all grade levels will compete.

Although the event will run all day — the first game will start at 9 a.m., and the last one will begin at 5 p.m. — guests can show up throughout the day to watch games, participate in halftime competitions, buy raffles and baked goods and enter a raffle for a recteq RT-700 Wood Pellet Grill.

To round off the fundraiser, visitors will have the chance to donate blood between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The drive will take place in the cafeteria, and donors are asked to enter through Door 19.

Blood donation appointments, though not required, can be made by emailing Crystal at bcwfbc@sbcglobal.net or signing up online at www.versiti.org/IL using the code SPON203830. Beanies, courtesy of Versiti Blood Centers, will be given to donors while supplies last.

Here's a look at the schedule for the day and what fundraisers and activities are planned for each game.

9 a.m. Freshman girls' game

• During halftime, Yorkville and Oswego coaches will take part in a shooting competition.
• In the third quarter, fans can participate in a long shot competition.

10:30 a.m. Freshman boys' game

• During halftime, Yorkville and Oswego coaches will take part in a shooting competition.
• In the third quarter, fans can participate in a long shot competition.

Noon Junior varsity girls' game

• During halftime, the Step Team will perform.
• In the third quarter, fans can participate in a long shot competition.

1:30 p.m. Sophomore boys' game

• During halftime, coaches will compete in the semifinal shooting competition.
• In the third quarter, fans can participate in a long shot competition.

3 p.m. Special recognition for cancer fighters

3:30 p.m. Varsity girls' game

• During halftime, coaches will compete in the final shooting competition, and the junior varsity poms team will perform.
• In the third quarter, fans can participate in a long shot competition. Plus, a performance from the pep band.

5 p.m. Varsity boys' game

• During halftime, the varsity poms team will perform, and fans can participate in a half-court shooting contest, where the winner will get free pizza from Rosati's for a month.