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Twenty-seven children participated in a basketball shoot-out on Fathers Day at Premier Athletic Club in Montrose, NY, to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease.
Christa Daniello of Cortlandt Manor, NY, organized the event which raised over $3,000 for Alzheimer’s research. Mrs. Daniello, Vice President of Sales at The Osborn in Rye, NY, is a member of The Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, which covers Westchester, Putnam, Sullivan, Orange and Rockland Counties. She chairs its Community Outreach Committee.
“It was a great way to involve families and get the word out about this debilitating disease,” said Mrs. Daniello. “My daughter plays AAU basketball; she and many of her friends love to play and the parents love to watch, so it seemed like a perfect idea”
The competition was for groups of boys and girls between ages 9-13. Each contestant took 25 foul shots, the top three winners in each group received trophies and medals for the highest scores. The first place winner in each age category was named the “HOT SHOT 2017” champion.
The event raised funds through registration, donations in kind, and from sales of raffle gifts donated by local businesses. “We raised approximately $3,000 dollars and hope that this will become a yearly event that grows, not only in Westchester, but in other locations throughout the Hudson Valley,” said Mrs. Daniello.
Information about Alzheimer’s disease was given out at the event. “Every 66 seconds someone is diagnosed with the disease and there is still no cure. Alzheimer’s is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. More people succumb to it than to breast and prostate cancer combined,” explained Mrs. Daniello.
Twelve-year old basketball player, Mackenzie Nelson summed it up best: “Alzheimer’s makes you forget your best memories and your family, and that’s so sad.”
“The goal is to find a cure for the future; for now it’s about offering care and assistance to those in need,” Mrs. Daniello said. If you or a loved one is affected and needs information or help, you can contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline: 1-800-272-3900