'Baskets 4 Franklin Lakes' Returning to Borough This Year

The following was submitted to Patch by the borough of Franklin Lakes.

Basketball players from kids to adults will hit the courts throughout the day on Sunday, June 1 to raise money for local charities.

The Franklin Lakes Mayor’s Wellness Campaign will host the 2nd Annual Baskets 4 Franklin Lakes; a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament.

Mayor Frank Bivona along with Dina Robinson, Event Director of the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, created Baskets 4 Franklin Lakes to get children and adults outside to promote healthy activities and well-being in our community.

Last year was the first annual 3 on 3 basketball tournament.  The turnout was incredible. 68 teams competed, local businesses sold food and sports items and there was an outpouring of spectators!  Through this tournament the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign was able to raise close to $15,000. Monies went to a local charity #For Nico, Nico Santoli, and to the Franklin Lakes Recreation and Parks Department’s “Dream Team” for supplies and goodies during their summer baseball season.  

This year the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign event will fundraise for Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) in honor of Johnny Damato. Johnny is a 17-year-old from Fort Lee with a passion for baseball, family and friends. He was born with a rare heart defect which began to manifest itself two years ago.

On June 13, 2012, Johnny received a life-saving emergency heart transplant from the doctors at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, NY. Since then, he as made the commitment to raise awareness of the need for blood donations and organ and bone marrow registry by organizing an annual donor awareness drive. Please come play some 3 on 3 basketball, June 1st and help the Damato Family & The “Dream Team”!  

Baskets 4 Franklin Lakes Tournament will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m at the Recreation Center, 1 Vichiconti Way, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.  The fundraising event will feature teams of 3 to 4 players grouped by age, food and sports vendors, as well as exciting contests throughout the day. Lunchtime activities will include 3 –point contests and foul shooting contests.

For more information on the event and registration go to www.franklinlakes.org click on “Baskets” icon. To learn more about how you can help please contact Dina Robinson, Event Director, DRobinson@franklinlakes.org .