2025 CYA Shoot-a-thon: Another Slam Dunk
Ryan Tokar, CYA Basketball
CYA Basketball held its annual Shoot-a-thon fundraiser on Sunday, February 2. This is the largest annual fundraiser for our program and proceeds go towards necessities like gym rentals, uniforms, equipment, paid officials, and league fees. As is the case every year, our amazing community came out in support of the program in a big way, with the Shoot-a-thon bringing in over $10,500 in online and cash donations.
The Shoot-a-thon concept is for players to collect money from sponsors for a chance to win prizes. To be eligible for a prize, each player must raise at least $50.00; however, they can continue to raise additional money above and beyond that minimum. Prizes are awarded to the top overall fundraisers and to the players who have the highest overall percentage of shots made. The number of shots attempted varies based on the age group of the player, with anywhere from 20 to 100 shots being attempted. In most cases, shots are attempted from the free throw line; however, the younger ages are moved several feet closer and shoot on lowered rims. CYA Basketball programs consist of youths, aged kindergarten all the way through high school. Every year, the boys’ and girls’ high school teams serve as volunteers to help record the scores for our younger players. This is truly a day to bring the entire basketball program together!
This year’s highest shooting percentage overall was Brayden Rickerd. From each of the other programs, the winners were as follows: Highest Overall Percentage Foul Shooter, K-2 Clinic—Carson Unger and Chase Atkins; Rec Leagues—Cole McCauley; Mid Maryland—Austin Courtney; and High School—Brooke Williams. Our overall fundraising winner was Lyric Lemley, who raised over $800 in online donations. Leaders from each program were: K-2 Clinic—Camden Athey; Rec Leagues—Clayton Gray; Mid Maryland—Zayden Jones; and High School—Maddy Whetzel. Winners were each awarded a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card for their prize. The teams with the most overall donations also earned a free pizza party.
Along with the $10,500 raised, the league also collected several hundred non-perishable goods, which were donated to the Thurmont/Emmitsburg community to help those in need. Players received raffle tickets for each item they donated, and there were several great prize baskets given away. Hailey Weber won an awesome camping-themed basket with everything you need to have a great night outside around the fire. A beauty-themed basket full of Mary Kay cosmetics went to Stacey Grimes. Bryce Yocum won an Igloo Cooler full of fun indoor and outdoor activities. The Baseball/Softball Basket, which included a free Thurmont Little League registration with other themed items, was won by Logan Hoffman. Evynn Hufnagel won the Football Basket with a free CYA Football/Cheer registration, football cards, and a football/pump pack. CYA Basketball also donated a themed basket with a free registration, Silent Basketball, shoe charms, and a Gatorade bottle/towel package. This was won by Leah French. And, finally, there was a shop-local basket with gift cards and free goods to a few favorite local establishments, which was won by Izzy Lowman.
CYA Basketball would like to thank the following businesses and individuals who donated to help support their efforts: Thurmont Kountry Kitchen, Elle Smith J&B Real Estate, CYA Football and Cheer, Thurmont Little League, Ole Mink Farm, Beth Ohler of the Beth Ohler Team at J&B Real Estate, Good Soil Farm, Mary Kay By Kristin Wolfe, Alisha Yocum, and Jen Clements.
Throughout the afternoon, there were also activities, including music, the always popular Face Painting by Elizabeth, and team/individual photos. All in all, it was an enjoyable day and a wonderful event. CYA Basketball would like to thank the community, parents, and volunteers for their support. Without you, this event would not be such a tremendous success each year!
