March 18, 2024

Hoops for a cause

Granny basketball returns as YMCA fundraiser

The fourth annual fundraiser event, Granny Basketball returns Friday to raise funds for the Newton YMCA.

The Granny Basketball game is slated for 7 p.m. Friday at Berg Middle School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Granny Mustangs, featuring women ages 50 and older from Jasper County, will be going toe to toe with the Newton YMCA All Star for a charity basketball game.

A pie and dessert auction will take place at halftime and a youth free throw shooting contest will also be a part of the festivities.

The game is a spirited, fun event playing six-on-six old style women’s basketball and will combine old-time women’s basketball rules with entertainment. The Granny Basketball League of Iowa was created in 2005 to provide a nostalgic, fun and competitive activity for women over the age of 50. Its other mission is to be an avenue for charitable giving. The league has raised more than $200,000 for charities.

The event is free to attend, but organizers ask for a freewill donation to raise money for the YMCA.

“It’s a fun theatrical event and the grannies are a great and the YMCA All Star players are a great group of people,” Rhonda Robson, Newton YMCA Associate Executive Director said. “It’s a time to just go and laugh.”

The players on the YMCA team include: Abbe Pelzer, Newton Daily News; Chad Robson, City of Newton; Joel Jones, Hy-Vee; Chaz Allen, Iowa Senator;Wes Breckenridge, Iowa House Representative; Mike Hanson, Newton Mayor; John Lee, John Lee Photography; Jason Benson, Cline Tool; Beau Church, Community Heights Alliance Church; Dr. Esgar Guarin, Newton Clinic; Erica White, Newton YMCA; Amanda Price, Newton Chamber; Graham Sullivan, Newton Main Street; Rhonda Robson, Newton YMCA; and Scott Taylor, Newton YMCA.

Andy Karr, of the YMCA, will serve as a YMCA Coach, Mark Allen of Edward Jones, will serve as an announcer and Frank Buckley of Newton YMCA, will serve as the score keeper.

Players come with great attitudes and share a few laughs at their own expense, for a night of fun. The Granny’s team somehow always wins, but the Y’s team is determined to do their best and have a great time while making a few granny shots of their own, Robson said.

All proceeds go to support the Newton community through the YMCA Annual Support Campaign and financial assistance supporting membership, programming and child care.

“This event is our kickoff to our annual campaign, and this event will help fund new programs that are coming over the next year,” Robson said. “This has taken a lot of people who are willing to give up some of their time.”

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com