Image courtesy of the Peter Blum YMCA Facebook page
By Louis Addeo-Weiss
Regardless of regionality, sports are an integral part in the fabric of life for many. They unite us, bringing people together who would otherwise be worlds apart in cultural and/or geographic scope.
Sports, whether we consciously know it or not, instill in us moral lessons that extend beyond the field of play. Watching our favorite athletes championing causes grander in scope than their respective sport serves as inspiration to reciprocate those behaviors into our daily lives.
In a move to aid in community relief during what has, to say the least, been a trying year for many given the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Peter Blum Family YMCA is hosting its first annual Shoot For a Change.
“Although we are in Boca Raton, there are plenty of people who need the help, and the Y is always there with open arms,” says Michael Nathanson, a YMCA coach, volunteer and board member.
Inspired largely due to what Nathanson refers to as his two passions “the YMCA and basketball,” the event was the conception of Nathanson and fellow YMCA coach and volunteer Donna Hollinshead, who will serve as a Co-Chair for the inaugural event.
“I’m very excited to be Co-Chair of the Annual Campaign Community Division,” wrote Hollinshead, who has coached youth sports for the organization since 2011, in a recent Facebook post.
Image courtesy of the Peter Blum YMCA Facebook page
Per the circumstances of the pandemic, the event will operate within the confines of implemented social distancing protocol.
When: Saturday, October 3, 2020
Where: Peter Blum Family YMCA of Boca Raton, 6631 Palmetto Cir S, Boca Raton, FL 33433
Time Slots: Ages 7-11: 8:00am-11:00am
Ages 12-17: 8:00 am-11:00am
Ages 18+: 11:30am-1:30pm
Championships Rounds: 2:00pm-5:00 pm
Cost: $25 (Children under 18), $40 (18 & Up)
All funds will go towards the YMCA’s financial assistance program that ensures no one be denied a membership with the organization due to their inability to pay.
Prizes for the event include the following:
Ages 7-11: Nintendo Switch Package
Ages 12-17: Xbox 1 Package
Ages 18+: All-Inclusive Weekend Getaway for two at the Boca Raton Downtown Hyatt.
If you have any questions or additional inquiries about the event or the YMCA Financial Assistance Program, you can email ShootForAChange@gmail.com.
Can’t make it out to the event but still wish to pledge a donation? Not a problem. Payment can be sent electronically through Venmo @ShootForAChange.
Ready to make some baskets and a difference? Then lace up those Jordan’s, throw on some shorts and we’ll see you out on the court!
Visit the official Facebook page.
