Germantown Educators Hoop it Up for Charity

The staffs of Kingsview Middle School and Lakelands Park Middle School traded textbooks and lesson plans for sneakers and gym clothes Friday night to participate in a unique fundraiser event to benefit the communities of both schools and support local families in need.

The 2nd Annual Charity Basketball Game, held at Kingsview Middle School, sought to raise money for local families and collect canned food items that will be donated to local food banks. 

"Last year we started a tradition and what we decided collectively between the two schools is we would raise money for charity and collect canned goods to donate to local food banks," Kingsview assistant principal Ericka Singleton said. "We're raising money so we can support our needy families over the holidays."

Kingsview principal Elizabeth Thomas added: "All funds raised go directly to families within our communities to help make the holidays a little bit better."

All proceeds from ticket sales and concessions will be split evenly and distributed between the two schools. According to Thomas, the two schools determine which families would be the recipients of the money and their identity is kept confidential. 

The entrance fee was $2 per person or $1 with a canned food item to be donated. The canned food items will be taken to local food banks such as Manna Food Center in Rockville or Germantown HELP. 

Kathy Cadeaux was one of the PTA volunteers who helped set up the event and sold concessions outside of the gymnasium and has a child at Kingsview. "I think it's very inspirational for this time of year," she said. "And to show the kids the importance of giving back to the community is terrific." 

According to Thomas, the two schools raised over $1800 last year in the inaugural event. Her goal this year was to top that and go over the $2000 mark. Final donation totals likely won't be tabulated until sometime this week, but Thomas is hopeful that her goal will be met and said she was excited to see such a great turnout. 

In the end, Lakelands Park won the game, 47-29, but it obviously wasn't the score of the game that mattered. For those in attendance, including Lakelands Park teacher Stephanie Jenkins, it was more about coming together for the betterment of the community and having fun along the way. "It's just a great way to bring people out for a good cause and have some fun. It gets the kids motivated too." 

Wymon Lee, a Kingsview science teacher, stated that the school tries to host charity events for the local community at least once a month and added that staying engaged and involved with community efforts is what the school is all about.

"We're a school that is built around the community and inviting the community to be part of what we do here is important," said Lee, who has been at Kingsview 13 years. "Events like this provide a great opportunity for Kingsview to be a part of the community and for the community to be a part of Kingsview."