Regional Chair – Melissa Ciurlino
phillyevents@dmaig.org
Onward Upward Basketball Challenge
7 years, $100,000...and counting - The Onward Upward Basketball Challenge
From
a mere idea that came up during a long car ride in the Fall of 2002 to
its status an annual staple in the THON alumni fund raising circuit,
the Onward Upward Basketball Challenge (OUBC) has come a long way since
that first event in a small YMCA in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Now,
almost seven years later, the planning committee just successfully
completed the 7th annual Onward Upward Basketball Challenge, which took
place February 7, 2009.
As the largest contributor to THON of all alumni-led events, this
year's tournament was a another exciting and positive event. As a
brief history, the first OUBC took place in January of 2003, and was
formed by Penn State Alumni, Tim Chiodo (’01), Adam Gentzel (’01),
Randy Whiteside (’01), and Joe Worley (’02). These gentlemen started
the event as a means to stay connected with THON, their fraternity
(Kappa Alpha Order) and the University, all while continuing to
contribute to a great cause they supported during their collegiate
days. Later, in 2005, the OUBC planning committee expanded to include
the services of John Mazzolla (’01, ’03), Jess Worley (’02), KC Gentzel
(’01), and Adam Mills (Elizabethtown College, ’01).
This year's event, the 7th annual, raised $26,500 for THON, toping
the prior year’s total of $26,200 and bringing the seven-year total to
greater than $100,000. A team of Penn State alumni captained by Nate
Gentzel ('03) raised about $4,000 in winning the money raising portion
of the event. Another team of Penn State alumni, captained by Matt
Muldoon ('01) and Kahlil Williams ('01) won the tournament in
dominating fashion. Also, Adena Comrey, a Four Diamonds family member,
gave an emotional speech to the audience at the event to help them
better understand the cause they had all contributed to.
For more information, photos, history, and details about this year’s upcoming OUBC, please visit our website at http://www.onwardupward.com
War on the Shore IV
War on the Shore IV had by far its best year ever in 2008!! Over 400
people were in attendance and we were able to raise $20,100, more than
double the previous year!
This past year we were fortunate enough to welcome former PSU great
Matthew Rice who displayed his artwork and donated a painting for the
raffle.
War on the Shore V will now be the main event for the
newly formed Elpis Foundation, a Philadelphia/NewYork based non-profit
organization started by PSU Alumni. Hopefully we can continue our
growth and raise more money For The Kids!! This years event will take
place on Saturday August 8th at The Windrift at 5:00. The Windrift is
located on 80th street on the beach in Avalon New Jersey!
For more information on WOTS and The Elpis Foundation, please contact Patrick McNichol @ pat.mcnichol@gmail.com or (610)-357-1928. We are always looking for donors and sponsors, so dont hesitate to ask!
Have you hosted a successful event recently? Do you want to help advertise for future years when you host this event again? Email a post event write up with several pictures to secretary@dmaig.org and regionalevents@dmaig.org to have your event posted here!
