SSHS Grad Drives Charity Hoops Tourney

South Side High School graduate Steven Kane, 19, along with his Duke University fraternity brother, Adam Vojdany, had hosted several charity events with their fraternity Sigma Nu at school, but felt like they wanted to do something closer to home.

So with the help of some friends, Tony Brunetta of the recreation department and some generous sponsors, the two friends hosted a 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the recreation center last Saturday to fundraise for Hoops for Hope, a charity that uses donations to help children affected by HIV/AIDS.

"We thought it was a charity that needed some help, so why not raise money with something fun like a basketball tournament?" Kane said.

Thirteen teams of three signed up for the charity event, raising more than $1,000 for Hoops for Hope. All of the food, drinks, basketballs and recreation center time were donated by Rockville Centre residents or businesses, so every penny went directly to charity.

"We wanted to something great," said Vodjany, who's from Port Washington. "It was a long process, but it felt good to do something like this."

Tony Brunetta, the head of the village's recreation department, allowed the two friends to host their four-hour tournament at the center, free of charge. "These are young kids doing something positive, and they should get the notoriety," Brunetta said. "They're local kids, and we'll do anything to support them. That's what the center's for."

Jesse Winter, 19, of Rockville Centre, signed up for the tournament for two reasons. "Steve's my best friend, so I'm here to support him," he said. " But, I'm also looking for some good runs, and I figured I'd get that here."