By VASHTI HARRIS
Staff Writer
EAST BRUNSWICK — Teachers are hoping they don’t get schooled during an upcoming charity basketball game.
The East Brunswick Education Foundation (EBEF) will be the hoist to a visit by the Harlem Wizards at Churchill Junior High School on Jan. 29.
“I’m excited that the Wizards organization will help in the fundraising efforts for the EBEF. Anytime we can bring the community together for a great cause, it’s always amazing. Churchill Junior High School will be rocking. The crowd can expect some great entertainment from our players. I look forward to seeing everyone,” said Jamel “The Voice” Thompson, the Harlem Wizards’ emcee and assistant road manager.
Teachers from several different schools in the township will be competing against the Wizards.
“The Harlem Wizards was the perfect event for the EBEF. The Wizards are really great entertainment. They have been doing entertainment basketball shows since the early 1970s and have created something really special. They get rave reviews for their show quality,” said EBEF Member Mike Lachs.
“I have been a volunteer for five years. Like other members of the EBEF we all care about our schools and helping East Brunswick schools. The EBEF raises money to do amazing things in our schools,” Lachs continued. “Since 1993 the EBEF has distributed $1.8 million grants to different programs in the schools while building a $300,000 endowment. The EBEF funds amazing things in our schools from small grants of $25 to major grants for substantial programs or events in the thousands.”
The EBEF’s trustees and volunteers include parents, teachers, school administrators, concerned citizens and business leaders.
“We hope to raise $10,000. Based on tickets sales to date we expect to hit our goal. Families should buy tickets [as soon as possible] because we could sell this event out. People often wait until the last minute in [East Brunswick] to buy tickets for events like this. This is one of those events I wouldn’t take that chance on,” Lachs said.
“It’s absolutely great family entertainment for elementary and middle school age kids. It’s a great value and really convenient. Best of all you get to help your community and schools while having a great time,” Lachs said.
The game will begin at 3 p.m. in the school’s gym, located at 18 Norton Road. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door. There will be a free autograph session after the game.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ebnet.org/wizards.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].