On April 7th and 8th, PYB hosted its Second Annual April Madness Fundraiser. The two day event kicked off with a “Night Before the Madness” VIP Reception at the Field House Philly where tournament sponsors, team captains, PYB board members and advocates had the opportunity to enjoy music, food and drink with like-minded individuals who are passionate about Philadelphia, basketball, and holistic youth development.
During “The Night Before the Madness”, guests had the opportunity to learn more about PYB and meet three special PYB student-athletes. Eric Worley, PYB’s Program Director and Founding Partner, moderated a short Q&A with the student-athletes where they shared stories about their experience in year two of PYB’s Middle School Partnership Program. Consensus was reached that the student athlete’s favorite part about PYB was the coaches and mentors, with the food at PYB events and summer camps being a close second!
Eight short hours after the VIP Reception, men and women from the Philadelphia region descended upon the Palestra to partake in a day of competitive basketball and fundraising events. More than 200 players, families, coaches, and community members came together on the hallowed basketball grounds of the Palestra to raise awareness and funds for PYB’s Collegiate Summer Camp Series Fund. Standout Philly players: Shane Clark, Tamir Harbin, Ky Howard, Frank Tchuisi and Megan McCullough competed in the tournament. The day featured a PYB student-athlete showcase game, a poetry slam to celebrate the conclusion of the second year of PYB’s Middle School Partnership Program, a dunk contest, raffle drawings, and entertainingly competitive game played by some standout Philly players including Shane Clark, Tamir Harbin, Ky Howard, Frank Tchuisi and Megan McCullough (to name a few). Mayor Kenney also visited and participated in Delgreco Wilson’s Black Basketball Hall of Fame Legend’s Gathering, an event where former players and coaches in the Philadelphia basketball community shared their own Philly hoops stories and thoughts.
Congratulations to our Champions!
For full photo albums please click the links below.
By MaryKate O’Brien, Community Mobilization Coordinator