The 10th annual Pros vs. Joes Charity Basketball Game will pit men and women’s varsity basketball team players versus faculty and staff on Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. in the Hamilton Gym.
The event raises money for the Abou Traore Memorial Scholarship. Abou Traore was a second-year pre-med major who lost his life in a drowning accident in August 2007. Traore was preparing to be a resident assistant for the 2007-08 academic year and was also a member of the International Student Club.
Director of Residential Life Michele Gunkelman said Pros vs. Joes raises money for a good cause while providing an engaging matchup for attendees.
“When a player fouls, they are sent to the penalty couch where they stay until the crowd raises money, $1 to $5, to get the player back in the game,” she said. “Keep in mind that this is a fundraising event, so the scorer’s table has been known to accept donations for points on the scoreboard.”
Gunkelman said there are two media timeouts, one in each half, where minimum donations will allow participants to take part in a game of Lightning where they stand to win a prize, such as a Cedar Point ticket package.
Everyone who attends receives one raffle ticket, and additional tickets are used to collect money for the scholarship fund.
Prizes are also given throughout the game and include certificates, SVSU swag, a hammock and ladder. The grand prize is a Detroit Tigers ticket package. The event will also feature the performing arts troupe ENCORE, which will perform the National Anthem, and the Korean Culture Club, which will perform drums at halftime.
“I love seeing everyone come together for a great time,” Gunkelman said. “It’s so much fun to see the men and women’s varsity basketball teams having fun … I am honored to be a part of this tradition that keeps Abou’s memory alive, builds community and supports student scholarships.”
