'Shoot for a Cure' Hits the Mark

It was slam-dunk for the community on Sunday, July 29, when more than 170 players, volunteers and spectators turned out for “Shoot for a Cure,” the 4-on-4 benefit basketball tournament designed to raise money to help a Scotch Plains family hit by ALS, as well as to fund ALS research. 

Organized by long-time friends Rory Szeto, 19, of Fanwood, and Ezra Klemow, 19, of Scotch Plains, and held at the JCC of Central New Jersey, the benefit event raised over $3,500.

“It feels great to know that we raised a significant amount of money, but the best feeling comes from seeing how many people in the community came together to support a family in need,” said Klemow.

“We were especially glad to see the tremendous support from local families and businesses,” said Szeto.

On hand at the event were Lindsay (age 19), Sara (17) and Alan (15) Payne of Scotch Plains, whose mother Lynn has ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Business sponsors of the event included: Fanwood businesses: , , , , , and Whole Life Nourishment.com; Scotch Plains businesses: , , , , Spoon Me Frozen Yogurt, and ; and Westfield’s .

Players ranged in age from 10 to 56 and came from towns throughout New Jersey. The winning team was made up of Tim Bonacum of Fanwood, Patrick Dougher of Scotch Plains, and Nick McCloskey and Mark Zienteck of Aberdeen, NJ.