Hoops for Hope: Raising Money for the Carol Kestenbaum Foundation

It was just over three years ago that the horrific and senseless loss of Carol Kestenbaum shook all of Bellmore, all of Tempe, AZ and the entire country between the two.

In February 2007, Kestenbaum, 20, and her childhood friend, Nicole Schiffman, 20, were murdered by a troubled fellow Arizona State University student. Since that tragedy, the Kestenbaum family has made it their collective life purpose to carry Carol's legacy (and her signature "lightning bolt") of pure positivity and deep inner strength to all those who need it and to anyone who will listen.

On Saturday afternoon at Kennedy High School - with Carol's spirit rising above that wonderful din of basketballs being pounded into the hardwood, sneakers squeaking with hustle and bodies clashing under the boards - several hundred students and adults turned out for the Carol Kestenbaum Foundation's 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament.

So in Kennedy High School's packed gym - with every bounce pass, backdoor cut and blocked shot - a wonderful cross-section of the Bellmore community came together to work up a sweat and share a good time. More importantly, the community also helped to directly send Carol's continuous bolt of inspiration outward.

In completing that circle of care, countless friends and family got behind this event as it was organized and hosted primarily by Carol's mother, Rita Kestenbaum, and close family friend Jean Karo - both of whom carry Carol's loss, but also her message of genuine concern for others, healthy self-esteem and a general love of life with them every day.

"When we lost Carol and Nicole, I knew that I had two choices," said Kestenbaum, a beaming woman of power and strength that belies her smallish frame. "I could hide under the covers for the rest of my life, or I could find the courage to get myself out of bed, get my other sons out of bed and my husband out of bed. I made the only choice I knew to make, the second one."

Had Kestenbaum and her family simply been able to get out of bed and do no more, they would have been considered heroes. But with Carol's energy and spirit behind them, they've managed to give their lives much greater meaning, and make a difference in the lives of countless others in the process.

The Carol Kestenbaum Foundation was founded to create a lasting model of quality living for young people by promoting a healthy worldview and encouraging young people to make positive choices in their lives, relationships and communities. 

The Foundation is currently teamed with Morry's Camp, a youth developmental organization and summer camp located in White Plains, as well as the The Long Island Crisis Center, which has a 24/7 suicide prevention hotline.

The Morry's Camp project in particular has captured the imagination of Sam Kestenbaum, Carol's brother, who also played a key role in the organization of the 3-on-3 tourney.

"Morry's is where my mom went to camp, so we had a natural connection with them in the first place," Sam said. "I really love what they do because they play a central role in improving the gradauation rates in the young people they work with. If you want to see these kids get a boost to their self-esteem, watch them graduate. The effect is unbelievable".

So too was the effect the community had on both the 3-on-3 tourney and the Kestenbaum Foundation in general.

"The turnout has been phenomenal," Sam said. "We had 30 or 40 older guys sign up last minute, which really took things over the top.  And at our annual gala, people really went above and beyond.  Not only buying tickets, but spending extra on raffles and merchandise. And most importantly, going out of their way to to tell all of their friends about what a great time they had and what a good cause this is.  So we only see brighter things moving forward."

After all, it seems Carol wouldn't have it any other way.