Massapequa High School hosted its Hoops for Hope fundraiser on May 5, raising approximately $2,900 in memory of a former Massapequa student. The money will go toward the Jacob Brice Memorial Scholarship fund, which presents financial awards to graduating seniors each year.
The three-on-three basketball tournament was held in honor of the young man who died in 2013, before his senior year, from complications from a heart condition and brain cancer. The event, open to students and staff, was organized by Chief’s Challenge, a club with a mission to “encourage kindness, respect and civility.”
“Jake was a positive influence on all who knew him,” said high school social worker Joanne Waters, adviser of Chief’s Challenge. “He always had a smile and a friendly way about him that made others feel comfortable when meeting him. The event in his honor was a huge success and the Brice family was overwhelmed by the generosity and support.”
Raffle tickets for gift baskets were sold throughout the week leading up to the tournament with proceeds going toward the scholarship fund. The winning basketball team was the faculty and staff trio of Matt Cunha, David Doring and Pat O’Reilly who dubbed themselves the “Old Timers.”
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The Chief’s Challenge club organized the basketball tournament to raise money for the Jacob Brice Memorial Scholarship fund.
