The Harlem Wizards are shown with Berlin Community School staff and Principal Therese Bonmati at the fundraiser, held at Eastern High School.
Students, teachers, families and community members came together for a night of comedy and high-flying basketball as the Harlem Wizards faced off against Berlin Community School teachers and staff on Nov. 17.
The two-hour event at Eastern High School was hosted by the BCS Home and School Association. It was the first time the Wizards visited the school, and the turnout did not disappoint.
Co-chairs Stefanie Heiman and Courtney Whitman shared the inspiration behind bringing the team to Eastern.
“Courtney and I wanted to introduce a new, fun fundraising event that would bring our students, teachers, families and community together,” Heiman explained. “Partnering with the Harlem Wizards – while utilizing Eastern High School’s larger gym – felt like the perfect way to create that kind of exciting, inclusive experience.”
Planning for the event began last year, but took several months to finalize.
“We picked it back up over the summer and started planning early to make sure we could make it happen,” Whitman recounted. “The Wizards were fantastic throughout the process. They walked us through everything step by step and helped us understand what we needed to do for a successful event.
“Bringing in our first responders and local businesses was another highlight,” she added. “Their involvement really helped make this a true community effort.”
Providing support and services were local vendors Rettinger’s Fireplace System, ShopRite, Posie Productions, Ollie Gators Pub, My Angelo’s Pizza of Berlin and Voorhees, Minutemen Press and The Golden Nugget Tavern.
“Our main goal was to raise money for the (home and school association) so we can continue supporting our teachers, students and school community,” Heiman said. “We also wanted to bring in something different this year, something more interactive and memorable for the kids.”
The Wizards brought their signature, high-energy basketball play of trick shots and comedic antics to Eastern, but some of the evening’s fun came from the teachers themselves.
“We were incredibly grateful to the teachers, principals and even our superintendent, who came out to play,” Whitman noted. “I think some of them may have had even more fun than the kids.”
The community turnout was impressive, according to Heiman.
“The energy from the crowd was incredible,” she enthused. “You could feel the excitement and joy on the faces of both kids and parents. One of the most memorable moments for the organizers was when children were invited onto the court to dance alongside the Wizards.
“It felt like they’d been waiting all night for that moment,” Whitman recalled. “They absolutely loved interacting with the players and being such an active part of the show.”
Students brought jerseys, basketballs and memorabilia to school the day after the event to relive the evening with friends and teachers. Funds raised will help pay for school supplies, new classroom initiatives and support for student programs throughout the year.
“Events like this allow us to continue expanding our programs and give back to the school community in meaningful ways,” Heiman said.
Whitman announced that the Wizards will return in the spring for The WizFit Challenge, a two-week fitness and fundraising program for elementary students.
