The Neptune Township Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse would like to extend a huge thank you to all who helped make the eleventh annual Cops vs. Kids basketball game on November 16, 2015 such a success! The prevention message was clear; the game was fun, and the Cops and Kids enjoyed some friendly competition.
It was a great event—from pre-event sponsorship to the last basket. The scoring was close with the cops securing a 64-57 victory. Spectators attempted to shoot foul shots at half time, while wearing Fatal Vision Goggles, simulating what it’s like to be impaired by drugs or alcohol. Not many shots even came close!
The Kids’ team (coached by Gerald Glissen and Michelle Moss) included: Kaelyn Kimbrough, Taylor Gardner, Brianna Love, Desiree Allen, Stephen Jenkins, Scott Fields, Jared Kimbrough, Jawan Crenshaw, Glenn Powell, Isaiah Brogna, Azeon Huntley, Dev Johnson, Jahki Jordan, Tyreek Montgomery, Patrick Williams, Mekhi Moore, Precious Allah, and Fabrice Bambada.
The Cops’ team (coached by Michael Zarro) included: Michael Allen, Marques Alston, Shaun Hubbard, Kaan Williams, Bryan Taylor, Mysonn Ledet, Robert Layton, Joshua Jenkins, Malcom Jenkins, Jordan Loiodice, and Robert Vetrano.
Special thanks go out to: the players; the coaches; scorer, announcer, and time keepers—Jen Grippo, Blanche Dunbar and Tammy Lasco; the Neptune High School NJROTC Color Guard; Volunteers: Michael Zarro, Jr, Rachel Zarro, Cathy Crelin, Diane Shelton, Rick Matson, and Sherry Sotnikoff; Neptune Athletic Director Mr. Glissen, the Neptune Board of Education; and Neptune Police Officers Mike Zarro, who coordinated the Cops and secured sponsorships.
Thanks also to the student volunteers from Youth Time 2 Shine—Jada Hall, Chelsea Eugene, and Quaderia Benjamin; Student Council—Rachel Jackson, Caley Hourihan, Briana Sam, and Allayah Huntley; Peer Leaders— Juliana Mastrolia, Emyia Braxton, Danielle Fields, Tyson Lowe, Kaliyah Ramirez, Caitlyn Sutton, Naiarya Nelson, Aamira Johnson, Reshaya Coleman, and Teana Royster.
Thanks to all of our event sponsors, including: Neptune Township Police PBA #74, Neptune Twp FOP #19, Theo’s Demolition & Construction Clean-Up, Impact Auto Body, Automotive Transportation Services, Bruno’s Italian Deli, Robert Walzer and Global Sports Authority, Popeyes, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonalds, Allied Fire & Safety, Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation (MURC), Neptune High School, Chick-fil-A, the Neptune Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, and the Neptune Recreation Department. Funding for this event is also provided through the Governor’s Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse.
Thanks to everyone who supported the game, and in turn, helps us spread our prevention message to the community. Be sure to look for our next Cops vs. Kids fundraiser, as I heard more than one, “Rematch!”
