Examiner.com

AACS, Key School basketball players present a $12,189 donation to AAMC

It's a story of neighbors helping neighbors and it has nothing to do with shoveling snow. This story is about students from two schools, raising money for their community hospital, which will be used for patients with need.

In late January, Annapolis Area Christian School (AACS) and The Key School joined forces in a competitive basketball tournament, themed “Pink Out” to celebrate breast cancer survivors and to donate funds to further research for a cure. Both boys’ and girls’ junior varsity and varsity teams participated in the tournament, which resulted in a $12,189 donation to the DeCesaris Cancer Institute at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC).

Pink Out
The fundraising effort was driven by three major components: selling tickets to the Pink Out games, selling Pink Out t-shirts, and raising money via free-throw sponsorships. Fans in the bleachers showed team spirit and support for breast cancer awareness by wearing Pink Out t-shirts designed by team captains from each school and pre-sold through the school communities.
 
“This event truly demonstrated the hearts of our community. For two schools to come together, drawn by an idea created by an AACS alum Grace Mercer, t-shirts that were designed by current team captains, and bleachers filled to capacity by students, parents and faculty, it is a remarkable statement and a blessing for all,” said AACS basketball coach and event organizer Mr. Jim Domoracki. “We are thrilled that our community could make such an impact on this great cause and we are honored to have the AAMC here in Annapolis to lead efforts for a cure,” he added.   

AACS Girls Varsity Basketball team

Honoring Survivors
At halftime during the girls’ varsity game, more than ten breast cancer survivors stood to be recognized and autographed the tournament’s pink basketball. Dr. Barry R. Meisenberg, director of the DeCesaris Cancer Institute at Anne Arundel Medical Center, also addressed the crowd.

Key Athletic Director Brian Boyd with 3rd graders

Exceeding Expectations
“We at the DeCesaris are truly grateful for the outpouring of support displayed by the AACS and Key School community,” Dr. Meisenberg said. “The support is gratifying to the men and women who work in the Cancer Center to care for your neighbors. I am particularly impressed by the ability of these young people to look beyond their own needs and to consider that there are others in the community who are in great need. The money donated from this effort will go directly to our “area of special needs” to cover services such as transportation, and treatments for those who cannot afford them.”
 
“This event exceeded all of our expectations and our original goal of $10,000,” said Key School Athletic Director Brian Boyd. “It was amazing to see not only the teams get so involved, but both communities in their entirety embrace the cause and show incredible enthusiasm. Seeing the crowd of pink, white and black t-shirts was inspiring for all of us.”