The Community YMCA and Dreams for Kids are planning a night of basketball like never seen on Friday, April 26, from 6-10 p.m., at the Robert J. Collins Arena on the Brookdale Community College Campus, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft NJ. The two organizations have come together to host Hoops for Hope, a community benefit to support the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign and Dreams for Kids.
“The Community YMCA is pleased to partner with Dreams for Kids,” said The Community YMCA President & CEO Rhonda Anderson. “We look forward to bringing the community together for an affordable night of fun that will help both of our organizations positively impact the lives of youth and teens here in Monmouth County and across New Jersey.”
The event will feature a series of basketball matches between the Dreams for Kids All Star Team, made up of current and former NFL players, and local teams fielded from the community.
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Local teams confirmed to play are: the Red Bank Police Department; Red Bank Catholic High School Girls Basketball; Monmouth University Lady Hawks; students from Red Bank Charter School; Tormee Construction; and the Lunch Breakers, a team of Y members.
Current and former NFL athletes confirmed to play include: Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles; Joey Porter, Oakland Raiders; Rian Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers; Darnell Stapleton, Pittsburgh Steelers; Brandon Bing, New York Giants; J’Vonne Parker, Denver Broncos; Kareem Huggins, New York Jets; Charlie Rogers, Miami Dolphins; and, Troy Logan, New England Patriots.
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Proceeds from the event will support the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign, which provides local families with discounts and scholarships for Y memberships and programs, and Dreams for Kids programs, which provide kids with character education, role models, and self-esteem to keep them on track for future success.
“Our athletes inspire young people to establish goals and to work toward their goals through positive decision making,” said Dreams for Kids CEO & Founder Lonnie Allgood, a graduate of Red Bank Regional High School and former NFL player. Allgood noted that the athletes associated with Dreams for Kids are college-educated and have pledged to remain drug-free and smoke-free.
In addition to the basketball matches, the tournament will include a VIP reception with light refreshments to meet the pros from 6-7 p.m., an NFL store, silent auction, gift auction and 50/50 raffle.
Guests may also visit booths staffed by the following nonprofits and local businesses: Two River Technology Group, the lead event sponsor; Hulafrog and Macaroni Kid, both event sponsors; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties; MonmouthCares, Inc.; Monmouth Medical Center; Sea Bright Solar; and, Tutor Doctor. Other event sponsors (as of April 19) are: Brookdale Community College, the Bruccoliere Family, Currents/The Journal, Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis, LLP, Carol Stillwell/Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., and PNC Wealth Management.
The doors for general admission will open at 6 p.m. and the tournament will begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets for the tournament are available at the door. For more information, visit http://www.TheCommunityYMCA.org/HoopsForHope
or call 732.671.5505, ext. 20.
About The Community YMCA
The Y is a leading nonprofit charity that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA serves more than 20,000 residents in greater Monmouth County through programs such as: preschool, before and after school care, health and wellness, leadership, arts enrichment, personal and family counseling and summer day camp. With a mission to serve all, more than $1.5 million in reduced and free membership fees and programs is provided annually by the Y to individuals and families in need. This is made possible through the Y’s financial assistance program, funded by generous donors who have joined our cause to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information, visit TheCommunityYMCA.org.
