Summit Basketball Teams Host Tournament on Jan. 19 to Benefit Breast Cancer Charities

The Summit High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball team is on fire, and the Summit Lady Hilltoppers hope that with the addition of the boys’ games to their sixth annual “Hoops for Hope” tournament, this year to be held on Jan. 19, that the combination will be able to surpass prior fundraising efforts, which have raised more than $20,000 for breast-cancer-related charities over the past five years.

The multi-game event, to be held at Summit High School, located at 125 Kent Place Blvd., will this year raise funds for both the Adrienne Reid Memorial Scholarship fund and the Connie Dwyer Breast Center.

At 2 p.m., two Junior Varsity games will be played.  Summit boys meet Roselle Park in the auxiliary gym and Summit Girls take on Cranford in the main gym.  At 3:30 p.m., the Summit Boys' Varsity team hosts Roselle Park in the main gym. At 5 p.m., Summit Girls' Varsity meets Cranford, also in the main gym.

This is a wonderful family event, which raises money for two area charities.  The Hilltoppers invite the public to watch all the action and bid on baskets filled with donated items, such as tickets to sporting events, autographed team items, and a Baltusrol Golf Package.  Buy a fun pink Hoops for Hope tee-shirt at the concession stand or treat yourself to a homemade treat at the bake sale.

Donations are being accepted from local businesses and residents for raffle baskets.  Gift certificates from restaurants and retail shops and other merchandise is appreciated.  Please contact Melanie Wilson at msw1230@comcast.net or (908) 598-1617 if you able to make a gift card or other monetary donation.

The Summit team will sport special pink jerseys for the occasion so wear your favorite pink attire to show your support!

The Adrienne Reid Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a senior class female athlete each year.  Adrienne Reid was the mother of former Summit player, Alex Reid, class of 2009.  Adrienne died in August 2008 from a long battle with breast cancer. 

The Connie Dwyer Breast Center at Saint Michael's Medical Center in Newark provides breast care for women in the greater Newark area.   The Center reaches out to more than 1,500 women annually through free educational sessions and breast cancer screenings. The Center’s mission is to provide advanced breast care — from screening to diagnosis to treatment and follow up— for all women, regardless of their ability to pay.  There is a special focus on addressing glaring statistical disparities in breast cancer’s impact among African-American and Hispanic women.

This is the sixth year that the Hilltoppers are raising funds.  Last year, the team raised $4,662, topping the $3,909 in 2010.  In the four years, nearly $15,000 has been raised.  

Admission to the event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated in lieu of ticket sales.

Editor's note: This information was submitted to Summit Patch by Melanie Wilson.