Harlem Wizards Take on Hauppauge Teachers Saturday

Get ready basketball fans. The Harlem Wizards will play against Hauppage elementary school teachers this Saturday in a charity matchup to benefit the school district.

In addition to the Wizards’ high-flying dunks and acrobatic stunts, Suffolk County Legislature Majority Leader John M. Kennedy Jr., R-Nesconset, will act as a celebrity referee.

The Harlem Wizards combine extraordinary basketball talent with comedy, traveling around the country to partner with schools and non-profits to hold high-yielding fundraising performances. 

Proceeds of Saturday’s ticket and memorabilia sales will benefit the Forest Brook Elementary Parent Teacher Association, Hauppauge High School, and the Courtney Sipes Memorial Foundation. 

Courtney Sipes Memorial Foundation was founded in the memory of the Hauppauge student who was killed while crossing Smithtown’s Main Street by a drug-intoxicated driver. The Courtney Sipes Memorial Foundation pursues the goals of supporting youth participation in music and the arts, and promoting pedestrian safety efforts.   

Referees will also be wearing shirts memorializing Courtney Tomkins, a Hauppauge student who died from brain cancer. Kicks for Cancer is a Hauppauge High School-based fundraising initiative in memory of Tomkins that generates donations for a variety of cancer-related support organizations.

“We are excited to have Legislator Kennedy refereeing,” said Rob Scarito, Forest Brook Elementary PTA vice president. “Every time I have asked John for something locally, he has stepped up to the plate.”

“I want to commend the Forest Brook Elementary PTA and Hauppauge School district for coming up with this creative fundraising initiative,” said Legislator Kennedy. “It’s reflective of the spirit of the Hauppauge community and its dedication to supporting and augmenting children’s educational opportunities.  I look forward to working with event organizer Rob Scarito, Hauppauge Superintendent of Schools Patricia Sullivan-Kriss, and Hauppauge Board of Education President Geri Richter.”

The game is at 6 p.m. Saturday at Hauppauge High School, 500 Lincoln Boulevard in Hauppauge. Doors open at 5 p.m.