Herald Neighbors

Hooping it up for a good cause

Basketball tourney benefits Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for fifth year

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Aspiring basketball stars from across the North Shore community gathered at the Sid Jacobson JCC in Greenvale on Saturday to partake in the fifth annual Hoops for Harrison fundraiser.

The event was created by former North Shore High School students Jagger Gillman and Ethan Bradford to benefit Jagger’s younger brother Harrison, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when he was 7.

The three-on-three basketball tournament raises money for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, and holds games for three age divisions. The event also includes a three-point contest, a slam-dunk contest, silent auction and raffles, and a teen lounge, where participants were able to relax in between games by playing ping-pong or Xbox.

Hoops for Harrison raised over $7,500 for CCFA this year.

“I feel like the tournament has made a difference,” Harrison said. “It gives people a better understanding [of Crohn’s & Colitis, and then [they want to] contribute to helping find a cure.”

“It’s great, but it’s not just about me,” he added, humbly. “We just want to keep evolving, keep growing, make more money for the foundation and keep doing it for many years to come.”