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12/20/2016 03:45 PMThe family holiday fun does not have to end just because December does. For the fourth year, the Region 4 Revolution—a team made up of staff and coaches from local Region 4 Schools—will take on the Harlem Wizards on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Ticket sales will go toward funding Safe Graduation 2017.
“It’s a great family event, full of over-the-top showmanship and fun,” said Carol Jones, co-chair of this year’s event, who is also director of Deep River Parks & Recreation Department (and whose fourth Valley Regional High School senior will benefit from the Safe Graduation initiative at the end of the 2016-2017 school year).
The night is marked not only by the game, but also by the comedy and silliness the Wizards bring with them to the event. Students and families get to see a game filled with fun pranks, clowning around, and good-natured banter between the teams, featuring favorite members of the region’s faculty.
“The committee recruits a team of 20 to 25 teachers and staff for the team,” said Jones. “We have five schools in the region so we’re aiming for five from every school. The kids really get a kick out of it, especially the ones in elementary school. It’s one of those events where you laugh or smile the entire time you’re there.”
“I do it for the students,” said math teacher and athletic coordinator Jeff Swan. “They love seeing their teacher out there working hard and having a good time for a great cause. I don’t play anymore, so I coach.”
Safe Graduation was established about 30 years ago at Valley Regional High School, and is sponsored and coordinated by Tri-town Youth Services, and supported by the Region 4 school administration. The effort was in response to national statistics demonstrating that there is a higher than normal incidence rate of teen-related car crashes on graduation night. Funding is the responsibility of the parents of the senior class.
“It is a great way to let seniors celebrate in a safe, alcohol-free environment,” said Jones. “This basketball game has become one of the biggest fundraisers. Between the ticket sales and donations from local merchants we can fund most of the night.”
The committee sets a fundraising goal of about $10,000 each year to cover the costs of the venue, food, and transportation. Constables also donate their time to the event. The basketball game has sold out the past three years.
‘The fundraiser is successful because it brings a community together for fun, laughter, and collaboration. It’s a great night of entertainment,” said Swan.
The basketball game takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Valley Regional High School. The game starts at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets will be on sale for as long as they are available, at Celebrations in Deep River, The Wheat Market in Chester, and Olive Oyl’s in Essex, or online at www.harlemwizards.com, $10 for students and $12 for adults. For more information, email valleysafegrad2017@gmail.com.