Basketball tourney proves a success

Thank you to all those involved in the fourth annual Williamsville Rotary Holiday Basketball Tournament held Dec. 27-28 at Williamsville South. The tournament was a tremendous success. The feedback from everyone participating is that it is a classy event run in a first-rate manner. The event features both junior varsity and varsity boys' basketball, halftime games played by members of the Amherst Youth Basketball league, as well as a raffle for iPods. The funds raised will go toward student scholarships and other charitable purposes in the Amherst community.

The tournament introduced an annual award this year named the "Make a Difference Award." The recipient is selected by the South varsity players and given to a person who has made a difference in their lives. This year's award was presented to Jim Mohan, a retired teacher from Mill Middle School.

Williamsville South Coach Al Monaco, the Williamsville South Booster Club and the Williamsville School District all were instrumental in the success of the tournament, and I appreciate their help. We also had many local businesses that supported the tournament by purchasing ads in our program and supplying T-shirts to the players. I want to thank you and let you know that your ads were part of a very professional program distributed free to all attendees at the tournament.

The tournament is a holiday tradition that the whole community looks forward to. Attendance both days was great, and fans were treated to great basketball games.

The Williamsville Rotary is a service organization committed to serving our community through volunteerism and fundraising. It is our privilege to be part of this event, and I hope this will be an event that the community looks forward to each year.
Jerry Sheldon
Bragg Court
Williamsville