Harlem Wizards
slammin’ into town
BY EVAN NATELSON
Staff Writer
ALLENTOWN — Community officials and leaders will have a chance to go up against the Harlem Wizards on April 3.
The event, sponsored by the Allentown/Upper Freehold Municipal Drug Alliance, kicks off at 7 p.m. in the Allentown High School gymnasium.
Proceeds will go to the drug alliance, which has to raise money each year for an $8,000 cash match, said Joanne Schuh, alliance coordinator.
"But we really want to show kids that they don’t have to be inundated with alcohol ads to have a fun night," she said. "It’s a fun family time too."
The alliance has never before hosted the Wizards. However, they held a similar event in April 2000 with the National Football League’s Pros for Kids, Schuh said.
The event was disorganized because there were too many teams, so this year the alliance has limited the number of community members to 20, she added.
Upper Freehold Township Mayor John Mele is responsible for recruiting.
"We are going to ask if there could be people from the municipal government, the school and the community basketball team in town," Schuh said. "The kids would relate if there was a teacher or principal playing, and it would be fun for the community to see [its] Township Committee or council members out there. Students are welcome to play too."
The game will kick off Alcohol Awareness month, she said.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the municipal building or the high school. The alliance is also offering a free program book that can be used after the game for complimentary autograph signing. Advertising space inside the book is available for $5.
After the game, the Wizards will sell shirts and headbands, and the team will donate 10 percent of its sales to the alliance. The school district has donated the use of the gym for the event, the alliance coordinator said.
"We hope that the community comes out and supports us so we can provide more prevention programs," Schuh added.