Haddonfield American Legion Post 38 would like to give a “GIGANTIC shout out” to all involved in supporting the new Haddonfield Alumni Backetball event, conducted on Nov. 29, 2013. Organizer and Vice Commander Jon Batchelor congratulates the Haddonfield spectators who attended, local newspapers and media who got the word out, HMHS leaders (Chuck Klaus and Lefty Banos) who supported it and made the facilities available, coaches (Dave Wiedeman, Tom Betley, Lori Quintavallo and Colleen Tully Agnew) who managed and inspired players, announcer (Mark Hershberger) who made it “a major happening,” Stephanie Melzi, who gave a great rendition of the National Anthem, the volunteers who provided food and refreshments in the cafeteria; and, of course, the alumni basketball players who showed up and played inspired basketball. JJ Stanton ’03 was named the MVP.
Representatives from the charity, Veteran’s Haven, were there to greet spectators, answer questions, and thank everybody for coming. Veteran’s Haven is located in Ancora, NJ and is run by the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, which runs a number of other programs to support veterans and military members. Post 38 is happy to report that the proceeds were substantial and were well-received by Veteran’s Haven.
Jon Batchelor believes that we’ve come across a winning event that can be repeated in future years; however, the future of this event will be determined by the public, and the Haddonfield alumni basketball players. We will poll the players to determine if this event was just a “one year aberration,” or should be continued in the future. Jon wants to thank his HMHS Alumni players and their families and the others involved for making this a very successful event.
