Basketball Classic to Benefit Port's Long Island Alzheimer's Foundation And More

Get ready for the Alzheimer’s All-Star Basketball Classic, to benefit Port Washington-based Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The event takes place at Saturday, October 22 at Molloy College. 

The fundraiser features all-star games between the Nassau and Suffolk girls’ and boys’ all-star teams. Tickets are $10 each, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting LIAF and AFA programs and services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.

The event is the brainchild of Gordon Thomas, an all-star basketball player at St. John's University who was subsequently drafted by the New York Knicks. He who was inspired to initiate it in memory of his late father, Detective John Edward Thomas, Sr. After losing his father, Gordon Thomas created the event, helping to fight Alzheimer's and build awareness with up-and-coming basketball all-stars and their classmates. 

Now in its second year, the Alzheimer’s All Star Basketball Classic will feature Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray as honorary coach for the girls game, and former St. Anthony’s High School Coach, Gus Alfieri, for the Boys’ game. 

Organizers are also incorporating an Alzheimer’s Awareness Night, to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, when LIAF staff will educate players and their family members about Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more.