Locals can head to Harrington Middle School to watch a day filled with basketball for a good cause.
For three years, Mt. Laurel resident and basketball player Madison Smith raised money for the fight against breast cancer by filling a gym at Harrington Middle School at the end of January with fellow basketball players and the color pink.
Although Smith has now gone to college, thanks to the work of her fellow travel basketball players still in Mt. Laurel, the annual tradition Smith started will continue on Jan. 28.
On Saturday, Jan. 28, Mt. Laurel Girls Travel Basketball will hold its “Think Pink Day” for breast cancer awareness.
From 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., locals are invited to Harrington Middle School to take their place among the pink balloons and pink posters to watch players wearing pink uniforms play basketball all day long.
In addition to a small admission fee, those who attend can also help the fundraising efforts by enjoying food and drinks from concession stands and buying raffle tickets for prize baskets.
Organizing the event this year for the first time is Lenape High School freshman Regan King.
King said Smith and her family are close friends, and so she offered to continue the event this year while Smith is busy with college.
“In years past, it’s been so much fun, and it’s been one of my favorite memories from travel basketball,” King said.
King described the day as a time where those who play travel basketball can give back to the community and show the public why breast cancer research and awareness is needed.
“It’s for the community to see everybody win and see everybody have a good time. It’s about having fun and showing support to those with breast cancer who wouldn’t normally get that recognition,” King said.
This year, all money raised at the event will be directed toward a specific individual rather than a larger charity.
In the past three years, the event was able to raise more than $7,500 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation of South Jersey, and this year all money raised will go toward Stephanie Allocco, a member of the Mt. Laurel Women’s Basketball League who is battling breast cancer.
“I really wanted to dedicate this day to her especially and to helping her fight,” King said. “She was diagnosed just a few months ago, and we thought it would be perfect for everyone to come together and show their support.”
King said the event can usually raise around $2,000, but this year the teams are hoping for around $2,500.
“Honestly, whatever amount we could get would be great,” King said. “Any amount of money would be outstanding.”
King said the day is a fun way for basketball fans to spend their time one Saturday morning and afternoon.
“I think it’s really special just to see everybody there in pink,” King said.
