Richfield Alumni Team Up to Raise Money for Basketball Programs

Dozens of (RHS) alumni basketball players will show their school spirit Saturday afternoon by returning to their alma mater for the first Richfield Alumni Basketball Game, which aims to raise money to support the district's mens and womens programs.

"It started with wanting a fun way to bring Spartans people together for a night," Josh Noonan, event organizer and member of the RHS Class of 2003, told Richfield Patch. "Instead of doing the typical door-to-door sales of magazines, candy bars, ecettera ... [we] wanted to get the community involved."

In addition to three games played, there will also be a slam dunk contest, free throw contest, 3-point contest, raffles, a local DJ and a reception following the event at the . Noonan also said the event will serve as a great opportunity for participants to network with alumni business owners and other supporting companies.

It's no secret that when school budgets get tight, extra curricular programs are often the first to suffer. Noonan said while organizers don't have any idea how much money the event will bring in, they are shooting for making the $5,000 mark.

"This is the first of a legacy event, and [it] will hopefully be on all Richfield and family calendars next year and for years to come," Noonan said.

Richfield girls basketball head coach, LeeAnn Wise agreed, saying: "We hope this will be a great success and event that everyone looks forward to every year."

As of Nov. 23 roughly 45 former players had pre-registered for the event. Those interested can also register at the door from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $20 to play and all the funds raised will go to the basketball programs. The first game begins at 4:20 p.m.