The familiar sounds of basketball in support of cancer research once again filled the Lashburn High School gymnasium.
Athletes and coaches paid no mind to the freezing temperatures outside, instead focusing on competitive basketball in memory of a former teacher.
“It’s in memory of Gordon Rook, who was a former teacher and basketball coach here, who passed away unexpectedly a couple years ago,” said silent auction organizer Tina Pero. “Gord was passionate about raising money for cancer research, in particular, men’s cancer research.”
Money from the C. Gordon Rook Christmas Classic helps the Canadian Cancer Society. The tournament, which runs Dec. 12 and 13, features a pair of pink games on the first day.
“We have tied the pink game, which typically raises money for female cancer research,” she said.
The Dec. 12 games featured the Lashburn Lobos varsity boys and girls basketball teams sporting pink, against the Davidson raiders.
Funds are collected by the players and teams in the tournament.
“Players are expected to get pledges from family and friends,” said Pero. “It’s a boys and girls tournament, so we have both our senior boys and girls teams participating.
“They also collect donations for the silent auction.”
Pero had help putting together the silent auction from fellow basketball mom Jen MacEwne.
This year also featured a new addition to help with fundraising efforts.
“This year, we’ve added the flamingo flocking,” said Pero. “So, we have borrowed 20 plastic flamingoes from Maidstone’s Kin Club and we’re planting them on people’s yards. People pay to get the flamingoes removed.”
This year, Pero has lofty goals for the fundraising.
“My goal is to raise $10,000 and it’s my last time being a parent involved” she explained. “I think the most we’ve raised is $7,700 in a year.”
Her goal was met, as the tournament raised $11,770. Since 2013, a total of $55,811 has been raised.
Read more: Alberta Winter Games volunteers needed as events draw closer
