New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Basketball Challenge started 22 years ago thanks to the efforts of Rick Jalbert, Jose Gonsalves and the guys in the Senior Basketball League who wanted to support the Boys & Girls Club where their games were held. It started as the Senior Challenge with the “old guys” playing the “young guys” in a game of hoops with a raffle and some donations. The event raised $1,800 the first year.
Since then the Basketball Challenge has grown to be one of the signature fundraising events for the Club. In keeping with the mission of the Boys & Girls Club the stars of the games are the very talented youth of our community. In addition to raising over $400,000 over the history of this event to support programming at the Club, it is the only opportunity for the male and female high school basketball stars to play together on one court. It is always fun to see the teams hit the floor and work together to create a new teamwork- all to help the younger youth attending the Club.
We have solicited many sponsors over the years. Seven years ago we were very pleased to have BayCoast Bank become our event’s sponsor and they have continued the relationship. Thnaks to BayCoast and numerous other local supporters we are aiming to reach $40,000 this year in funds raised.
This year’s event is held next Friday, March 21st starting at 6pm at the Boy’s & Girl’s Club of Greater New Bedford. Admission is $5 and gives you access to three games featuring the “future all stars” at 6:00 p.m., the local girls all star teams at 7:00 pm., and finally the local boys all star game at about 8:30 p.m. Many of these teams have players heading to Division I NCAA college basketball programs and will be an exciting night of basketball, fundraising, and community interaction. Please join us for this fantastic event and if interested in adding support, contact Rick Jalbert of BayCoast Bank or Wendy at the Boys & Girls Club at (508) 992-8011.
