A battle of the books against the badges waged on the parquet floor all for charity Dec. 9 in the Florence Township High School gym.
by Amy Batista, Special Writer
FLORENCE — A battle of the books against the badges waged on the parquet floor all for charity Dec. 9 in the Florence Township High School gym.
The fourth annual charity basketball game, which featured teachers taking on police, raised nearly $1,700 along with non-perishable food and toys.
The event was organized by Florence Township High School Business Education Teacher Barbara Mayer and Florence Township Police Department Patrolman Jason Shafer along with a committee.
Admission to the event included either a $3 donation or a new, unwrapped toy or three non-perishable food items.
”This year we will be donating $1,677.70 along with canned food and toys to the drive,” Ms. Mayer said. “There was $1,177.70 raised at the game and a $500 check was presented from the Florence Township Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 210.”
Money and donations assist the Florence Township High School Student Council’s Holiday Food and Toy drive.
Over 60 volunteers and players along with PTA/PTO/PO parents participated in the event in one way or another.
Det. James Ford, said the event has grown “in size, community involvement, and spirit.”
”It is an event that the FOP looks forward to each year because of the fun that we experience through the integration of various community organizations and the unofficial kick off to our holiday season,” Det. Ford said, noting the event is at the core of its mission to encourage fraternal, educational, charitable and social activities among law enforcement officers and to cultivate a spirit of fraternalism and mutual helpfulness among our members and the people we serve.
Det. Ford thanked the organizers for “their hard work and efforts that made the event a success.”
Ms. Mayer similarly thanked those who made the annual charity game a reality.
”I cannot begin to thank everyone who helped put this year’s Hoops for the Holiday’s – Books vs. Badges game on,” said Ms. Mayer. “This year’s game was nothing short of an awesome success.”
Teachers on hand praised the event and its organizers.
”Barb Mayer and the committee did a great job organizing this event,” said Rodney Roberson, high school history teacher.
”If we could have kept (Patrolman) Fish off the court a little longer, we may have won,” said Teri MacIntosh, eighth grade social studies teacher.
”It was a fun night raising money for a great cause,” added Mary Couts, high school special education teacher.
During halftime Superintendent Donna Ambrosius and Det. Ford announced Chief Alvin Scully had bee named community honoree for his time and service to Florence.
”Those of you that know Chief Scully know that this award was very deserving,” Ms. Mayer said. “Detective Ford said it best when he called him a superhero who never once sends a signal that he needs help. He is the one always there to give help to everyone else. He is a longtime community member who is Chief of Police, local EMT, a father (father figure to many), grandfather, finance’, but most importantly a friend.
”If you see Chief Scully in the coming days/weeks, please make sure to take a moment to congratulate him and thank him for all he does for our community,” she added.
Chief Scully said he did not realize at first it he had been chosen.
”Detective Ford was giving his introductory speech prior to the presentation of the award and I still had no idea who the recipient was going to be,” said Chief Scully in an email on Dec. 12. “I will mention that he spoke of a ‘Bat Signal’ and while he was talking I still had no idea as to who he was speaking of until he said, ‘Some call him Dad, some call him Grandpop, and some call him Chief,’” Chief Scully said. “At that point, I finally realized who he was talking about. All of those who knew about this gave no indication to me about it.”
Chief Scully said he was surprised and “humbled” to be selected.
”I have an awesome support staff, both professionally and personally and they are all second to none,” Chief Scully said. “I am only as good as those who surround and influence me.”
A 50/50 was also held at the end of the evening during which all the proceeds went to help specific people and families.
”This year’s recipients are Jennifer Smith and Melissa Gilfillan, our district’s own superheroes,” Ms. Mayer said. “Thanks to the generosity of our 50/50 winner Cindy Capritti, who donated the winnings back, each of them will receive $120.”
Refreshments and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus were also available.

