Number of Participants: 300
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $10,140
Event Amount Raised: $31,000
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Schools
School: Garden City High School
Date: February 25, 2025
Location:
Garden City
NY, USA
About:
On February 25, Garden City High School hosted its annual Hoops for Hope fundraiser, featuring the Garden City High School and Middle School Challenger Basketball teams. The gymnasium was filled with excitement as students, families, administrators, and community members came together to support a great cause. Posters created by Stewart and Stratford students lined the walls, sharing messages of hope and encouragement.
The event was organized by Garden City High School student Katherine O’Hanlon in memory of her classmate Bobby Menges, who tragically passed away from cancer in 2017. All proceeds from the fundraiser benefited the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation, which provides support to adolescent and young adult cancer patients and survivors at NYU Langone-LI. Katherine opened the afternoon by thanking everyone who contributed and emphasizing the importance of the cause.
The Challenger basketball team showed incredible sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the game. At halftime, the Garden City Spirit cheerleaders, varsity cheerleaders, varsity kickline dancers, and junior varsity kickline dancers kept the energy high with their vibrant performances.
Hoops for Hope was founded in 2019 by Katherine’s oldest brother, Timmy, and later continued by her brother, Michael. This year, Katherine took the reins, ensuring the event’s success by managing all the details. She was deeply moved by the overwhelming community support and the desire from so many to make the day special.
This year’s event also welcomed a new addition: the GC Spirit group, a local cheerleading and kickline team of younger students. They cheered on the younger Challenger players—those not yet old enough to join the middle school team—further fostering an inclusive and celebratory atmosphere.
The success of the event was made possible through the collective efforts of many. The support from school principals, the beautifully designed posters from elementary students, and the lively game announcing by Mr. Ramirez all contributed to the memorable experience. His introductions made the players feel like they were stepping onto a professional court, adding to the excitement of the game.
This year’s fundraiser raised an impressive $31,000 for the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation, providing continued support for teens battling cancer. Hoops for Hope continues to be a powerful tradition, bringing the Garden City community together for a meaningful cause.
Event Participation:
- Younger challengers: Approx. 6
- GCMS and GCHS Challenger Basketball teams: Approx. 24
- Varsity boys and girls basketball players who helped on the court: Approx. 12
- Additional athletes from various teams attended to cheer on the participants. Coaches encouraged their athletes to attend and even adjusted practice schedules to support the event.
