Show to benefit Wauconda High scholarship fund
The Wauconda Chamber of Commerce will hold its first basketball entertainment show to raise money for its Wauconda High School scholarship fund.
A 20-member "Wauconda Chamber Net Workers" team will play against the Harlem Ambassadors, a professional team of both men and women who perform and play at fundraisers and for military men and women across the world.
The Harlem Ambassadors promise a fun exhibition basketball game complete with ball-handling, comedy routines and high-flying slam dunks.
Debra Ogorzaly, the chamber's executive director, said most of the local team members are affiliated with Wauconda High School. They include Rich Wolf, boys basketball coach and dean of students; Bill Sliker, baseball coach; Jamie Weber, girls basketball coach; Dave Mills, assistant football, basketball and softball coach; and teachers Shawn Rudolph, Alex Hofeldt, Scott Luetschwager, Paul Schoenbeck, Libby Shogren, Ali Lentz and Jennifer Weitzman.
Josh Lewis, a 2000 Wauconda graduate who served as basketball team captain his senior year, has joined the team along with Wauconda graduates Kellen Barth, Jill Ryan and Jeff Krueger. Excited to return to the school the first time since graduating, Lewis said he does not feel pressure when he hits the court again. He plans to have fun, but play to win.
"I want to make sure I'm in shape and not get tired on the court," he said. "My goal would be during the serious quarters to not get too embarrassed by them."
Also joining the team is Wauconda Mayor Salvatore Saccomanno. He admits he has not played basketball since eighth grade, so he is training to prepare.
"My personal goal I hope is to be able to walk out the same way I walk in, not using the services of the fire department," he said with a laugh.
Rounding out the Wauconda team are chamber members Zack Ramirez representing Acres Group; Rick and Tim Vandergrift representing the Sandbagger Corp.; and Mike Martinez, editor of the Wauconda Courier.
After the game, the Ambassadors will conduct a free autograph session.
The chamber currently awards four $1,000 college scholarships to graduating seniors in May. Ogorzaly said the chamber also hopes with funds raised to offer a second scholarship to provide further financial help to students as they begin their second year of college.
If you go
What: Wauconda Chamber of Commerce "Net Workers" fundraiser, to benefit Wauconda High School scholarship fund
When: Saturday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. Concession stand opens at 4 p.m.
Where: Wauconda High School gym, 555 N. Main St., Wauconda
Cost: $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Ages 5 and under are free. Advance tickets are available at the Wauconda Chamber office, Wauconda Community Bank, RE/MAX American Dream in Wauconda and Sharp Auto Body in Island Lake
For more info: Call the chamber at (847) 526-5580 or visit waucondachamber.org.