South Mountain YMCA to Hold Charity Basketball Shoot-A-Thon and Alumni Game

By: Mollie Shauger | Friday, March 7, 2025 | Youth Programs

Coach Fred Ross, left, and South Mountain YMCA alum and NBA player Mark Armstrong, right, talk with kids at the Y.

MAPLEWOOD, NJ – The South Mountain YMCA, a branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, is excited to announce its annual Ducks Shoot-a-Thon basketball fundraiser will be held on Sunday, March 16 at the Y, 13 Jefferson Ave., Maplewood. The Y will also have an Alumni Basketball Game following the conclusion of the Shoot-a-Thon, with longtime Y coaches and past players coming together for an afternoon of friendly competition, philanthropy, and celebration of the Y’s legacy of developing young athletes.

“We invite the community to join us for these two events that blend fun, competition, and fundraising to help strengthen the Y’s mission and keep programs accessible to all,” said South Mountain Y District Executive Director James Goodger. “Gifts made to our Annual Support Campaign enhance our ability to offer financial assistance to families facing hardships, ensuring that kids have the opportunity to participate in sports and other programs that they might not be able to access otherwise.”

Shoot-A-Thon, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Shoot-a-Thon is open to children and adults of all ages. The Y requests a donation of $10 for participants to take 50 shots at the hoop (25 shots for preschool ages 3-5) for a chance to win prizes including free and discounted weeks of Basketball Camp, various gift cards, autographed WNBA memorabilia, an Xbox and more. Proceeds will benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance Fund, ensuring that children in Maplewood-South Orange have access to life-changing and enriching programs.

The Y has designated time slots for age groups, and anyone in the community is invited to participate in this fun tradition, now in its fifth year. The times include:

• 9-9:30 a.m.: YMCA Early Childhood and Pre-K children
• 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Kinderducks
• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Grades 1-4
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Grades 5-7
• 12:30-1:30 p.m.: Grades 8-12
• 1:30-2 p.m.: Adults

During the Shoot-a-Thon, the Y will have free activities for children in the Y’s Program Center including art, gymnastics, summer camp information, and a mock combine where children can get their measurements in various athletic tests.

To register for the Shoot-a-Thon or sponsor a player, visit https://givebutter.com/SMYShootCartwheel or contact Michael Laughner at mlaughner@metroymcas.org or 973-758-9039.

Alumni Basketball Game, 3:30 p.m - 5 p.m.

The Y will welcome back all of its former Ducks players to compete in a charity basketball game coached by legendary Y coaches Fred Ross and Dave Berry. Tickets are $50 each for players, with all proceeds going toward the Y’s Annual Support Campaign. The Y will honor the coaches for their longtime commitment to helping children develop a love of basketball and positive life skills. 

During the Y’s Annual Support Campaign Kick-Off in February, Ross shared that his 18 years at the Y have been rewarding because he witnesses young people building character both on and off the court.

Berry, pictured above (at left) with Goodger, expressed his excitement about returning to the Y and seeing the kids he coached during his 29 years there. “It will be a pleasure to witness the kids showcase their skills and reconnect with some of the kids I had the privilege of coaching at the Y years ago. I always enjoy seeing how well the kids have grown and flourished whenever I encounter them around town,” he added.

To sign up to play, visit metroymcas.org or contact Michael Laughner at mlaughner@metroymcas.org or 973-758-9039.

###

ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety, and quality of life for children, adults, and seniors. Its six branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, and Stillwater are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.