shootforthestars.jpgLake Success, January 21, 2009 —— When five teenagers from Port Washington discussed proposals for their upcoming mitzvah project, they came up with the idea to organize a basketball fundraiser to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York. Their love for basketball, combined with their desire to help local kids who are diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions, resulted in the successful “Shoot for the Stars” fundraiser, held on January 10, 2009 at the Landmark Gym on Main Street in Port Washington.

More than 90 participants age 7 to 13 paid the registration fee of $20.00 ($25.00 at the door) to compete for prizes donated by local businesses such as American Beauty Nail Salon; Angels; Baskin-Robbins; Bluetique; the Candy Store; Frank’s Pizzeria; Gino’s; The Port Washington Diner; Verizon Wireless and Zing for Hair. In addition to the registration fee, several participants also enlisted sponsorship support from friends and family to raise money to help make wishes come true for local children.

“We wanted to do something to help kids, while also enjoying one of our favorite sports,” said one of the five organizing kids, Jeff Katz. Hannah Rosen and Chelsea Nachamie added, “Since we are kids ourselves, it’s hard to see other kids having hard times. We want them to feel like everyone else and have fun.”  Ben Rosen and Ben Schor also knew about the service the Make-A-Wish Foundation provides and wanted to be part of this fundraising project right away.

The teenagers decided that “Shoot for the Stars” would be a fitting title for their fundraising event and set out to enlist support from the local community. Their enthusiasm and good intentions convinced parents, family members and local businesses and organizations to join them in their efforts. Brownies, cookies and cupcakes were baked by moms and neighbors to be sold off during the event; Dave Goldberg, President of Digital WaterWorx, provided a sound system for free; PM Pediatrics donated bottles of water for the thirsty basketball players; Chris Speziali of Power Fitness offered to professionally run the basketball contests; and local teenagers collected the donations for baked goods, which will also earn them credit for community service. In other words, the Port Washington community rallied behind their young members in full force to support them in their fundraising effort! The impressive result of the event is the astonishing amount of $4,300 raised so far, with additional contributions still coming in.

“On behalf of the children we serve, we want to thank all ‘Shoot for the Stars’ participants,” said Julia Masucci, Director of Donor Care and Administration, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York, who attended the event. “Especially the five exceptional teens who came up with the idea!”