Basketball teams try to increase fan participation, funds
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

The Oakmont varsity basketball teams are trying a new fundraising method this year as they hope to make halftime a little more interactive for their fans.

The goal is to create more fun then a 50-50 raffle by adding the interactive fundraiser of seeing who can get their ball closest to the target in the center of the court from their seat in the stand.

"I love this idea because it creates so much excitement," said John Connolly, the assistant coach for the girls' varsity basketball team. "The kids love it because it's like being part of the game."

Connolly said the game is called Toss the Rock, which is a play off of Chuck the Puck that is often played at hockey games.

The game will be played at every home varsity level basketball game.

"When you are all throwing at the same time it is where you get to have the fun," he said.

Connolly said this is a good way to be proactive for the program throughout out the year. The freshman basketball programs were cut earlier in the year because of the budget cuts, but fundraising efforts brought the program back. Connolly thinks that having a substantial fundraiser throughout the season may prevent a last minute scramble next year if the budget cuts stay in place.

The money raised could go for numerous things such as warm ups, uniforms, coaches' clinics, supplies and team building activities.

"It's really going to help enhance the program," Connolly said.

There are 500 balls available at each game and they are available for a $1.

The balls were donated by RE/MAX Reality and Brenda Rufiange.

"It's a big cost that we didn't have to flip," Connolly said.

Connolly said they have a variety of other donations for the prizes to give away at each game.

Jeff Aveni donated four tickets for seats four rows from the court to an upcoming Celtic's games, which will be given away in groups of two; a chance to win free weeks at a variety of basketball camps including ones hosted by Holy Cross College and Sara Behn; New England Surge and Boston College Basketball game tickets; and free food from TGI Friday's and Papa Gino's.