Bradford city and township police and firefighters will join Bradford school teachers and staff in a “donkey basketball” fundraising event to benefit the Bradford Area High School Chorale Department.
At 7 p.m. April 21 in the high school gymnasium, four teams of eight people will mount their “mighty steeds” and go head-to-head in a bracket-style series of basketball games. Whichever team scores more points during the 12-minute game wins.
The community team of firefighters and police officers will compete against three school teams consisting of teachers and staff from the high school, Floyd C. Fretz Middle School and School Street Elementary School, according to Hallock.
The event is being organized by Kim Hallock and Tammy Carey, both officers and board members of the chorale department.
Hallock said the idea for donkey basketball as a fundraiser came about as they tried to plan something new that didn’t involve the students having to sell anything. “We wanted a good way to raise money and do something fun.”
According to Hallock, tickets will be $6 if purchased ahead of time at any of the three Northwest Savings Bank locations in Bradford or at her store, Main Street Outlet. The cost per ticket at the door will be $8.
She said the donkeys will be provided by Buckeye Donkey Basketball of Columbus, Ohio, and insurance taken paid through the company in case the donkeys cause any damage inside the gym. As far as nature’s call, Hallock is still seeking volunteers to serve as “pooper scoopers.”
Hallock said she is currently developing a dinner menu for food that will be sold at the event, possibly “walking tacos” and hot dogs and the like. “We want to put on a fun evening for people to come out and have a good time, and get the community involved with the school,” she said.
She is also planning a half-time show that may involve donkey rides for children and other games. “We’re also going to work with different organizations at the school to have their own games and activities, if they want, to raise money for their groups,” Hallock noted.
“We’re very excited. It’s going to be so fantastic,” Hallock said, adding she hopes this is an event that catches on and can be held again in the future.
Bradford City Police officer Mike Spencer said this isn’t his first time astride a donkey, playing basketball. In 2001, he volunteered as part of a donkey basketball game in Port Allegany and had a lot of fun.
From his experience, Spencer believes the donkeys wear special “shoes” so as not to hurt the floor. He said the comedy comes in when some of the donkeys cooperate and others act more like the stereotypical stubborn mule.
“It’s good involvement with the community, and we get to have a little fun while we’re at it,” Spencer commented. “It’s definitely going to be fun — anytime we can mix up and do stuff with the fire department, even better.”
City police officer and school resource officer Butch Bartlett said this will be his first time riding a donkey, but he’s looking forward to it.
“It’s going to be hilarious. I think it’s going to be a spectacular event,” Bartlett said, noting his relief that they’ll be provided helmets and knee and elbow pads. “There are sure to be a lot of laughs.”
Other members of the community team include Bradford City assistant police chief Mike Ward, Bradford Township police chief Robb Shipman; and Bradford City firefighter Lt. Greg Lewis, firefighter/paramedic Cathy Mealy and firefighter Brett Butler.
