CYA Shoot-a-thon Nets Bigtime Donations

Ryan Tokar, CYA Basketball

On Sunday, February 4, CYA Basketball held its annual Shoot-a-thon fundraiser. This is the largest annual fundraiser for our program, and proceeds go toward necessities like gym rentals, uniforms, equipment, paid officials, and league fees. As always, the community came out in support of the program in a big way once again this year, with the Shoot-a-thon bringing in over $10,000 in online and cash donations.

The concept of the Shoot-a-thon is for players to collect money from sponsors for a chance to win prizes. To be eligible for prizes, each player must raise at least $50.00; however, they can continue to raise additional money above and beyond that. Prizes are given out to the top overall fundraisers and to the players who have the highest overall percentage of shots made. The number of shots attempted is 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 in several feet closer and shoot on lowered rims. CYA Basketball programs consist of youths, aged kindergarten all the way through high school. The boys and girls high school teams served as volunteers to help record the scores for younger players.

The winners of this year’s highest shooting percentage were: Alex Potter—Highest Overall Percentage Foul Shooter, K-2 Clinic—Carson Unger, U10 Boys/Girls—Bryce Rickerd, Saniya Smitely and Peyton Wills, U12 Boys/Girls—Luke Wiles, U14 Boys/Girls—Mason Hewitt, Mid MD Boys/Girls—Brayden Rickerd, and High School—Samantha Orndorff. The overall fundraising winner was Brynleigh Irons, while leaders from each age group were: K-2 Clinic—Kaylee Cox, U10 Boys/Girls—Aiden Munday, U12 Boys/Girls—Eli Yocum, U14 Boys/Girls—Austin Vernon, Mid MD Boys/Girls—Chase Cregger, and High School—Abagayle Shrives. 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 $10,000 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. Connor McGrew won the Movie Basket, featuring a Warehouse Cinemas gift card and all the snacks you need for a movie night. Jessica Watson won the Baseball/Softball Basket, which included a free Thurmont Little League registration with other themed items. Bryant Price won the Football Basket with a free CYA Football/Cheer registration and a football/pump/tee pack. CYA Basketball also donated a themed basket with a free registration, and one basketball set, shoe charms, and a Gatorade bottle/towel package. This was won by Jace Fisher. And, finally, there was a gift card tree featuring a few favorite local establishments, which was won by Dave Oxenford.

Throughout the afternoon, there were activities, including music, 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, it would not have been such a tremendous success.