2nd Annual “Magro Madness 3v3 Basketball Tournament

On a blustery Saturday March 4^th, while some were warm in their homes, the Michael Magro Foundation was warming bodies and hearts as they kicked off their 2^nd Annual “Magro Madness 3v3 Basketball Tournament”. The frigid morning had Hicksville High School’s gymnasium in a flurry of activity. Forty-six teams joined MMF for a day of fun and exercise. The event raised $9,000 to help children and their families to meet the financial needs of a cancer diagnosis.

The event, which kicked off at 10 am, featured teams from all age levels, starting at 5^th grade up to adult. With a maximum of four athletes per team roster, the players were each guaranteed three games in which to play. Every participant received a commemorative t-shirt, featuring the well-known penguin that Michael loved who sported a black t-shirt with Michael’s number 33 emblazed across the front. Pre-registration was required for the event, which ran until 5 pm. The cost for each team was $100.

DJ Geoffrey Cohen of GEM Entertainment NY was on hand to spin tunes while spectators were treated to high-energy games from each team. A dunk contest was available for all ages, along with a 3-point contest and a foul shooting contest. There were raffles for NY Mets tickets, NY Yankees tickets, and more. Raffles, as anyone who has been to an event for MMF knows, are an intrinsic part of the foundation’s fundraising. Sponsors for the event included RGD Marketing, LLC, New York Life Insurance Company, Signature Premier Properties, Hook & Fly Apparel, MDP Lacrosse, Chippo Golf, Graphics Solutions, Long Island Nets, GEM Entertainment, and Montana Agency.

There were multiple winners for the event, including those who participated in each contest.  Winners of the 3-Point Contest, presented by Hook & Fly Apparel, included:

                Men’s 5^th/6^th Grade Bracket:       James DeSimone – Spartans

                Men’s 7^th/8^th Grade Bracket:       Thomas Goldstone – Infant Jesus

                Men’s 9^th/10^th Grade Bracket:    Tyler Tierno – Full Court Pressure

                Men’s 11^th/12^th/U30 Bracket:      Sean McClosky – Ricky Roe

                Men’s 31+ Bracket:                         Anthony Cordaro – MDP Standin’ On Top

                Women’s 11^th/12^th/U30 Bracket:  Courtney Breen – Breen

Winners of the Free Throw Contest, presented by Signature Premier Properties, included:

                Men’s 5^th/6^th Grade Bracket:       Lance Piper – Warriors

                Men’s 7^th/8^th Grade Bracket:       Thomas Decker – St. Killian’s

                Men’s 9^th/10^th Grade Bracket:    Joe Salata – Green Warriors

                Men’s 11^th/12^th/U30 Bracket:      Sean McClusky – Ricky Roe

                Men’s 31+ Bracket:                         Scott Bryan – MDP Standin’ On Top

                Women’s 7^th/8^th Grade Bracket:  Sydney Cusack – St. Martin

                Women’s 9^th/10^th Grade Bracket: Isabella Muha – Ball Breakers

                Women’s 11^th/12^th/U30:               Courtney Breen – Breen

                Women’s 31+ Bracket:                  Kara Becker

Winners of the Magro Madness Slam Dunk Contest include:

                Men’s 9^th/10^th Grade Bracket – Tom Talbot – Green Warriors     

MDP Lacrosse was the court sponsor for the event.

Terrie Magro, Vice President of the Michael Magro Foundation, was glowing as she spoke of the event. “Magro Madness is such a fun day. I love seeing the players of all ages, enjoying the sport and engaging with each other as they form new friends. The forming of new bonds enables each participant to embrace the mission of the foundation.” Over 200 athletes, countless volunteers, and multiple sponsors were on hand to ensure that the event ran smoothly. EMT’s from Hicksville Fire Department were present to offer care for any injuries incurred during the games. Hicksville High School staff were also on hand to support and assist in the event.

Terrie offered gratitude for the athletes, volunteers, sponsors and spectators who were on hand to support the mission of the Michael Magro Foundation. Terrie also offered a special thank you to the Hicksville Fire Department, who stayed for the entire event. Every cent of the proceeds will directly touch the lives of children and families who are battling cancer. To date, the foundation has raised over $1.4 million for pediatric specialty programs.

For more information about the Michael Magro Foundation, or for ways to volunteer or donate, please visit them at www.michaelmagrofoundation.com. Next year’s event is slated for Saturday, March 3^rd, 2018. Be sure to save the date!