Jeffrey, Paula, Shane, Aidan and Ethan Gross, Pennington
A heartfelt thank you to everyone throughout our community who supported the first H3 (Hopewell Helping Hoops) Invitational All-Star Basketball Charity Event, which took place on Aug. 21 at the gym at Central High School.
We want to thank all 50 players ranging in age from fifth grade to 10th grade, representing all of our local and some neighboring schools. The talent was great, which made the basketball really fun to watch.
We want to thank our dedicated coaches, Dennis Cahill, Rich Dec, Rickey Eng, Amos Warren, Dan O’Connor and Ron Ash. We want to thank Chris Sullivan and Brian Ellis for their ideas, support, hard work and donations. A big thank you to our referees, Donnie Ellison and Troy Stevens and to coach Ronnie Kane and former mayor of Pennington, Jim Loper, for their assistance as well. Also, a big thank you to our timers, Elyse Nardozza, Gabrielle Kszak and Eva Tartaglia and our bookkeeper, Sol Ash.
A giant thank you to Dr. Tom Smith, superintentent of schools, who shared our vision in supporting local kids raising money through sport and entertainment and ultimately gifting the money to less fortunate kids through The Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County. Dr. Smith was kind and generous in allowing us to use the gym at Central High School for the event.
Another big thank you to Tripp Becker, the high school athletic director, and the janitorial staff at the high school for all of their assistance, and to Marie Pagano at the district office for all of her help in organizing the event.
Another huge thank you to Pennington Market, Vito’s Pizza, Rita’s Ice and Philly Pretzel Factory for supplying food and drink at the event and a big thank you to Donna Nardozza, Melissa Rhoads, Dave Rhoads, Shannon Cirullo, Jen Garrow and Sy and Dorothy Friedman for their assistance with multiple projects at the event.
Lastly, a warm thank you to over 200 spectators and donors that wholeheartedly supported this endevavor and contributed to such a great cause. The gift to The Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County will help to provide young people with social enrichment and recreational activities through after-school, weekend and summer programs. The Boys and Girls Club focuses on improving youth outcome in education and careers, character development and leadership and developing health lifestyles through physical activity and health living.
Thanks again to everyone involved who made this such a successful and memorable event!
Jeffrey, Paula, Shane, Aidan and Ethan Gross
Pennington
