Mike Listerman, left, and Dick Murgatroyd, rear, present $15,000 check to charity representatives, left to right, Juliana Wales, Sheree Paolello and Cathy Halloran |
Three local charities received $15,000 raised by the 12th annual Bluegrass-Buckeye Charity Classic high school basketball games during a check presentation ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
The BBCC games were played at Holmes and Scott high schools in December. The $15,000 raised from corporate sponsorships and gate receipts was donated to the Ruth Lyons Children's Fund, Neediest Kids of All and Chicks & Chucks, a breast cancer awareness group.
The classic has now donated more than $143,000 to local charities since its inception in 2001. Basketball games between teams from Kentucky and Ohio became part of the annual fund-raising event in 2003.
The boys teams involved this season were Brossart, Cincinnati Country Day, Cooper, Georgetown, Holmes, Oak Hills, Purcell Marian, Ryle, Scott and Taft. The girls teams were Cooper, Grant County, Oak Hills and Ryle.
The express purpose of the BBCC is to instill in young student-athletes the importance of giving back to their community. It is hoped that the skill, teamwork and unselfish play exhibited on the court will be carried over to a life-long habit of helping those who are less fortunate.
Our logo depicts the bringing together of both sides of the Ohio River through high school basketball to benefit the less fortunate. It signifies the united efforts of all our teams and volunteers who are working to make a difference.