Arlington Heights Crosstown Showdown funds medical research
The South Middle School and Thomas Middle School rivalry took center stage last Friday night when more than 2,000 people packed the Rolling Meadows High School gymnasium for a basketball game that raised thousands of dollars for medical research.
The staff at each of the Arlington Heights Elementary District 25 schools duked it out for basketball bragging rights.
"This is the 12th year of the showdown," said South teacher Dana Hackett, one of the original organizers. "It's a great way for our middle school rivalry to come together for an exciting night of fundraising."
Over the years, the showdown has raised about $60,000 for different organizations such as Make-A-Wish, JDRF, Kids Fight Cancer, American Cancer Society and Pulmonary Hypertension Association. This year's event raised about $9,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
"This event speaks to the community and how there is less of an interest in the competition and more of an interest in contributing to a great cause," Thomas Principal Brian Kaye said.
The Crosstown Showdown raised funds through many avenues, such as a 50/50 raffle, concessions and a ticket raffle for items such as gift cards, gift baskets and a Kyle Schwarber autographed baseball donated by the Chicago Cubs. Also, anyone in the crowd could shoot free throws for $1 in between quarters for a chance to win a T-shirt. That line was 15 minutes long, filled with students and community members. Entry tickets were $5 at the door and all of that money goes directly to cystic fibrosis research.
The evening was full of excitement, passion and pride, and the Arlington Heights community brought the noise as the South team won for the second straight year.