Saturday, March 08, 2008
Alumni Charity Game A Big Success
Over 500 Melrose hoop enthusiasts and local philanthropists turned out for the first annual Alumni Game, featuring players from Melrose's past versus the present team. The game was a spirited affair, with the high school defeating the alumnae 84-74.
The principal beneficiary of this year's contest was Keir Stanford, who is recovering from serious medical illness sustained while she was a college softball player. Chuck Person, Melrose's Recreation Department director and Tara Stanford, Keir's sister, organized the event.
Frank and Linda Stanford were on hand and clearly touched by both the show of support and emotion.
Four officials volunteered their time to referee the game, and the Melrose police also made a voluntary contribution.
Many local residents participated via donations of items for raffle, including Red Sox and Celtics tickets, and other valuable prizes.
The winner of the 50-50 raffle also generously donated back her proceeds to the Stanford fund.
Many former Lady Raider standouts were among the 21 alumnae playing, including former Gatorade Player of the Year Shannon Kirwan, Oyin Aderibigbe, Lady Raider assistant coach Lauren Doherty, Andrea Basteri, Lynley D'Amato, and many more. Former Coach Dave Brady coached the Alumnae squad and coach Rob Ferrante oversaw the varsity.
It was an extraordinary success for charity, and many memorable moments for the Lady Raiders past and present and their fans.
The principal beneficiary of this year's contest was Keir Stanford, who is recovering from serious medical illness sustained while she was a college softball player. Chuck Person, Melrose's Recreation Department director and Tara Stanford, Keir's sister, organized the event.
Frank and Linda Stanford were on hand and clearly touched by both the show of support and emotion.
Four officials volunteered their time to referee the game, and the Melrose police also made a voluntary contribution.
Many local residents participated via donations of items for raffle, including Red Sox and Celtics tickets, and other valuable prizes.
The winner of the 50-50 raffle also generously donated back her proceeds to the Stanford fund.
Many former Lady Raider standouts were among the 21 alumnae playing, including former Gatorade Player of the Year Shannon Kirwan, Oyin Aderibigbe, Lady Raider assistant coach Lauren Doherty, Andrea Basteri, Lynley D'Amato, and many more. Former Coach Dave Brady coached the Alumnae squad and coach Rob Ferrante oversaw the varsity.
It was an extraordinary success for charity, and many memorable moments for the Lady Raiders past and present and their fans.
// posted by Ron Sen, MD, FCCP @ 9:25 PM 
