Amagansett 6th Graders Host Car Wash to Raise Funds for School, Charity

AMAGANSETT, NY - Graduating sixth graders at the Amagansett School are putting some elbow grease into their traditional class "legacy" gift.

Sixth graders graduating from Amagansett School traditionally make a gift to the school or to a charity; usually the parents just chip in to pay.

But this year, the class "is setting their sights higher and actually working to raise money for a cause near to their hearts," said PTA Vice President Charlotte Sasso. "They will be washing cars to make a donation to Hoops 4 Hope."

The event takes place Thursday from 3 p.m .to 6 p.m. at the Amagansett School, located on Main Street; suggested donation for a car or truck wash is $10.

Hoops 4 Hope is a a global not-for-profit organization that has supported youth development throughout southern Africa since 1995, according to its website. Hoops 4 Hope provides children in Zimbabwe and South Africa with organized sports programs with a proven life skill curriculum in 60 disadvantaged schools and communities struggling with many social challenges.

Sixth grader Zola Crandall’s dad Mark is the organization's founder, and the class has been following and supporting Hoops 4 Hope during their whole time at Amagansett.

The car wash will benefit the school's legacy gift, with the remaining funds donated to Hoops 4 Hope.

Mark Crandall said his daughter, 11, and her friends have learned a great deal about life in Africa. Zola made friends with Asa, a girl from the Hoops 4 Hope program in Cape Town, who played basketball as a child and is now on the South Africa national team, as well as a Hoops 4 Hope MVP coach at primary schools in her community.

As founder and director of the organization, Crandall said, "We travel back and forth. Their class has really been able to share in all of our experiences."

Whether through movies filmed in Zimbabwe or photos, students have seen the "highly sensitive community" in Africa, as well as learn about its culture, wildlife, and how children their own age are living in dire need.

"It's been nice to be able to share it with the other kids in her class. That's why they chose to do the joint fundraiser," Crandall said.

Hoops 4 Hope has just passed its 20th anniversary, and exciting things are happening right now, such as collaborative efforts with the NBA Care and helping to empower kids in disadvantaged communities through mentorship, training and sports. Life skills classes to address issues such as HIV prevention and gender equality are also offered.

Caption: Zola Crandall and her friend Asa from Cape Town. Credit: Mark Crandall.