The Leesburg Lightning took on the Harlem Wizards last Friday, at Tuscarora High School, to raise funds for the purchase of a new playground at Frederick Douglass Elementary. Participants were also hoping that the game would bring the community back together following a year of heated debates over school boundary issues within the town.
The teacher-parent team consisted of 24 players, including 18 staff members, five parents and School Board Member Tom Reed. At least 1,196 tickets were sold, and $4,120 dollars was raised.
"These funds will be the perfect start to making the dream of building a playground a reality at our new school," said Michael Hunter, president of the Frederick Douglass PTA. "No firm plans are in place until further designs and research can be conducted along with Mr. Martino and staff at the school."
Heather Kircher, co-organizer of the event, said that the atmosphere during last week's game was, "electric." There was a sense of community spirit and friendliness, she said, and everyone wanted the best for all of the kids.
The final score was 90 to 79 with the Harlem Wizards taking the win.
