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 fifteenth annual Cops vs. Kids basketball game on May 16 such a success! After a few years of outside competitions like wiffle ball and kickball, everyone was happy for a return to basketball! 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 Cops continued their winning streak with an 46-27 victory. Spectators attempted 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!
Dozens of youth in attendance won prizes, and the grand prize winner of the cruiser bicycle was Terri Puryear!
The Kids’ team (coached by Michelle Moss) included: Daren Fonrose, Quiana Johnson, Ruben Jardonne, Sebastian LaFayette, Tricia Marucca, Daniel Merritt, David Ramirez, Nicholas Sapp, Phillip Singleton, Kimani Wallace, Tyshawn Wilder, Robert Sullivan, and Steven Gonzalez.
The Cops’ team (coordinated by Jim MacConchie) included: Mysonn Ledet, Kaan Williams, Marcus Alston, Kevin O’Donnell, MiJaut Berry, Joshua James, Matthew McDonough, Justin Fosque, Carrie Bartlett, and Kristopher Daly.
Special thanks also to: Catherine Crelin for coordinating the Kids’ team and school logistics; Mark Clark for refereeing; the players, coaches, scorer and timekeeper; EMS, Neptune Board of Education; Callie Peters and student helpers Britney Barthelemy, Brittany Martinez, Diana Castro Martinez, and Rosie Cole for help with the Fatal Vision Goggles and refreshments.
Thanks to all of our event sponsors, including: Neptune Township Police PBA #74, Neptune Twp FOP #19, McDonalds Rte 33 & 66, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Theo’s Demolition & Construction Clean-Up, Impact Auto Body, Bruno’s Italian Deli, MJ’s Pizza Bar & Grill, Allied Fire & Safety, Uni-Serv, Inc., Neptune Board of Education & High School, the Neptune Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Midtown Urban Renaissance Corporation (MURC), 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, “Wait till next time!”
Sincerely,
Dawn Thompson, Recreation Director & Coordinator, Municipal Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse 732-869-1202
