Playing basketball for charity at Colonial Middle School

For more than a decade, Colonial Middle School students have used basketball to raise money for cancer and Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) research. Nearly 300 students participated in the school’s 2018 4 on 4 for a Cure tournament, from being part of the Hoops for Hope club and working the event to playing on a team. “I got to play basketball, so it was fun,” said Danny Green, who medaled at the 2018 tournament as a member of the Tigers. “It’s also for ALS, so you can have fun while doing it for a good reason.” For 2018, the theme was “It’s a Zoo,” which meant animal team names like Young Bulls, Dunkin’ Dolphins, Hungry Hungry Hippos and Swishing Shrimps, plus animal-themed t-shirt and sweatpants designs. This year, the club is taking $1,000 off the top and sending it to Coaches vs. Cancer. The rest of the money will go to Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association, bringing the total donated from CMS over the years to approximately $70,000. “Participating in the part to raise money — like selling things, collecting the money people are donating — is probably my favorite part,” said Allie Fergus, a CMS 7th grader who was working concessions. “All that money is going to a good cause and supporting people inside and outside our community.”