When the four teams of the Skaneateles boys basketball program play against Marcellus on Dec. 16, one hundred percent of the gate proceeds will be donated to the “More Than a Game” foundation, which supports children’s cancer research.
The idea was conceieved by basketball coaches Karl Norris and Jim Ryan, and approved unanimously by the Skaneateles Board of Education at its Nov. 15 meeting.
“Our district has repeatedly been recognized in this part of the state for its charity work, and Marcellus basketball obviously brings people out,” said Skaneateles Schools Superintendent Phil D’Angelo, when informing the board of Norris and Ryan’s request.
The event will have all four Skaneateles basketball teams — seventh grade, eighth grade, junior varsity and varsity — play their games against Marcellus one after another in the high school gym.
“We think this will be a great way to get the entire program together and recognize the work of our modified and JV teams,” Norris and Ryan wrote in a letter to the school board.
The event will also be used as a fundraising opportunity for the basketball program by providing dinner, such as Dinosaur Barbecue, for the families of the teams and for the fans during the games.
The school board considered the request, briefly discussed if any, all or part of the gate proceeds of the games should be donated to charity, and quickly agreed to a 100 percent donation.
Jason Emerson is editor of the Skaneateles Press. He can be reached at [email protected].
