Sellout crowd watches school staff play Harlem Wizards
A sold-out crowd of 1,200 watched Saturday night as the Auten Road Intermediate School All-Stars took on the Harlem Wizards for an evening of basketball tricks, hoops and alley oops.
Dwayne “Swoop” Simpson and his team of showmen brought oohs, aahs and serious laughter in the fast-paced, dynamic, family-centered event.
ARIS’s principal, vice principals, teachers and staff also wowed the crowd, including gym teacher Jack “Clutch” Casey’s acrobatic moves on bouncy stilts. Seldom has a losing team and fans have so much fun.
Auten Road School’s Home & School Association thanked principal Chris Carey and the All-Stars for playing in the game, the committee chairs for planning the event, the game-day parent volunteers and ARIS families and ticket holders. The event raised more than $14,000 for ARSHSA’s educational programs. A portion of the proceeds is designated for Hillsborough Education Association’s Philanthropic Fund, which helps district families in need.
Local business supporters included Corporate Graphics, which printed the game’s program at no charge; Belle Mead Orthodontics; Oak Crest Day Camp and New York Life Insurance, which supported the fundraiser through program advertising and attendance at the game.
ARSHSA members include parents, teachers, staff and administrators. Its annual budget is more than $35,000; funds are used to such events as school assemblies, science fairs, family fun nights and the end-of-year carnival. ARSHSA also makes larger purchases for the school. In recent years, donations included indoor recess boxes for all classrooms, a trophy case, two basketball systems, a gaga pit and a pavilion to provide additional activities — and shade — outdoors.