In a game aimed at raising money for the families…
By Alexander Dworkowitz
Located in the middle of Whitestone, the gym of Immanuel Lutheran School is a far cry from Madison Square Garden. But for two eager teams, the court will soon become the center of the basketball universe.
In a game aimed at raising money for the families of those killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the youth group of Immanuel Lutheran will take on a contingent of the Fire Department’s Whitestone Eagles, Engine Co. 295 and Ladder Co. 144 on Jan. 25.
Proceeds from the game generated by advertisements in the program and a $5 admission charge will go to the 9/11 Widow’s Fund.
“We would like to raise a few thousand dollars if we could, as much as we can,” said Ralph Visone, who along with his wife Juliann is active with Immanuel Lutheran. “There’s going to be real good community spirit.”
About a year ago, the youth group got the idea of wanting to stage a show of support for firefighters, said the Rev. David Demara, the church’s pastor.
Last Valentine’s Day, some members of the group sent cards to the firehouse. But the youth still wanted to do more, and came up with an idea for a memorial basketball game.
“We said, ‘Why don’t we challenge the Fire Department to a basketball game to see if we could raise money for the victims of 9/11?” Demara said.
The game was originally scheduled for the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks but was postponed due to other events planned for that day. The two sides eventually settled on a January date.
Demara said a show of support for the families of the victims of the terrorist attack was still very important.
“I’m in ministry, and I do grief counseling,” Demara said. “People grieve over a long period of time. A year isn’t the end of it for people.”
Such events have been very helpful for firefighters coping with the loss of good friends, said Robert DiGiovanni, a fireman with Ladder 144.
“The people of Whitestone have been really good to our firehouse,” DiGiovanni said.
Demara, who planned to play in the game, said his group was considering a series of games with other churches aimed at raising money for the families of the terrorist attack victims.
Chris Visone, the son of Ralph and Juliann, said his youth group was proud to help the charity and also expressed confidence in the upcoming game.
“We’re going to win,” he predicted. “We’ve been playing for a long time with each other, so we know each other’s strengths. It should be a good game.”
DiGiovanni said he expected to face a team with “a lot of young legs.”
“We have some big boys on our team. We should be pretty good,” DiGiovanni said.
The Whitestone firehouse continues to remain popular among local residents. On occasion, two local women come to the house to cook dinners for the firefighters, DiGiovanni said.
“They are still continuing the support, they still stop by,” said DiGiovanni. “It just doesn’t stop, which is great.”
The game begins at 5 p.m. in the gym of Immanuel Lutheran at 12-10 150th St. For more information on the game, call 767-5656.
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 141.
