SPIN Teams-Up with Saint Joseph’s University Women’s Basketball for 3rd Annual Fall Ball Classic “Skills & Drills” Clinic & Tournament Fundraiser
Basketball Event Raises Funds for Adults with Disability and Autism
PHILADELPHIA (September 10, 2019) – SPIN hosted its 3rd Annual Fall Ball Classic on Saturday, September 7, 2019 to raise funds for adults with intellectual and developmental disability and autism. Held at The Renegades Kelly Bolish Gymnasium, Saint Joseph’s University Women’s Basketball Team worked hands-on with adults with disability to better their basketball skills. Following the clinic, twelve teams from the community played in a 3 vs. 3 tournament, raising more than $5,000 for adults supported by SPIN.
Created and run by members of SPIN’s Residential Services team with a mutual interest and love for basketball, the SPIN Fall Ball Classic has grown to be one of the SPIN community’s most anticipated events of the year. It has also become a key initiative to generate much needed funds to successfully help adults with disability live full and complete lives within the community.
Each year, SPIN partners with a local NCAA team to create a special opportunity for adults with disability to improve their skills and knowledge of the game of basketball. This year, talented players from Saint Joseph’s University Women’s Basketball team volunteered their time for the second year in a row to work hands-on with SPIN supported adults. The team set-up stations focused on dribbling, shooting, and playing defense. Following stations, the team hosted a “shoot-out” competition open to all to enjoy.
“The players from Saint Joseph’s University have brought so much joy and excitement to our Fall Ball Classic,” said Frank Brown, corporate officer of SPIN’s Residential Services. “You can feel the energy and excitement of the adults we support when they have the opportunity to play basketball with these incredibly talented women. We are so grateful that they came back to work with us for the second year in a row and hope they come back again next year.”
“We were so happy to help with the Fall Ball event,” said Sarah Fairbanks, director of basketball operations, Saint Joseph’s University. “Seeing how much fun and joy the participants had while shooting and interacting with our players was incredible. Putting a smile on their faces was so rewarding, and they put a smile on ours as well! We thank the SPIN staff for being so welcoming and loving and look forward to working with them in the future.”
Following the “skills and drills” clinic run by the Saint Joseph’s University Women’s Basketball Team, a 3 vs. 3 tournament was held. Twelve teams from the community played and fundraised to benefit more than 200 adults who receive round-the-clock support at SPIN homes in the community. Direct support professionals (DSPs)— employees who provide this critical care— played in the tournament, helped to organize the Fall Ball Classic, and recruited tournament players. The Fall Ball Classic is one of many events held to celebrate National DSP Appreciation Week at SPIN, which is celebrated September 8 – 14, 2019.
“Our DSPs are the heart of our organization, as they work with the people we support to fulfill a life of possibilities in our community,” said Kathy McHale, president & CEO of SPIN. “We are so proud of their efforts with this event, and their work all year long. They truly turn possibilities into reality as they help our supported adults reach their individual goals, creating a world where everyone belongs.”
Photos from the 2019 SPIN Fall Ball Classic can be downloaded here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sYwtjUuejFVyunzx7
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About SPIN:
A regional 501(c)(3) non-profit, SPIN is a leading provider of supports for children and adults with autism, intellectual and developmental disability in Greater Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley. SPIN also provides high-quality, early childhood education for children of all abilities. Headquartered in Northeast Philadelphia, SPIN has been named a Top Workplace for ten consecutive years by Philly.com. SPIN has also been named an Autism Center for Excellence by Community Behavioral Health. For more information, visit www.spininc.org or www.facebook.com/SPINInc #LifeofPossibilities #LoveHopeGrow
Media Contact:
Kaitlyn Haney, SPIN