When Newfield Head Basketball Coach Andrew Gallo found out his wife had their world came crashing down, but out of the terrible diagnosis Gallo was able to find some light.
With constant support from his team Coach Gallo came up with the idea for Hoops for Hope. During his wife’s third day of chemotherapy treatment he was inspired to give back to the community that had shown immense generosity during such a challenging time.
During Gallo's struggles the players helped to raise awareness and donations for breast cancer. Coach Gallo took it a step further by Choosing Positively Pink as the event sponsor. Its founder, Maria McMullen, is a close friend of his wife and a former Middle Country teacher and together they began to put together this great and meaningful event.
All proceeds from the event were donated to Positively Pink, an organization dedicated to providing women about to undergo chemotherapy or mastectomy surgery with supportive care baskets valued at over $700 each, free of charge.
The event was an effort that touched so many areas of the community. From players and coaches from both sides of the district, Centerreach and Newfield, selling basketball pledges for one dollar to fans and parents to honoring those in their families or communities affected by breast cancer. These pledges were proudly displayed on the gym walls during the game for everyone to see. Additionally, players sold pledges during the school day, engaging faculty and students in the initiative.
The pledges, combined with raffles, T-shirt sales, ribbon sales and a $1,500 donation from the organization “Team Up 4 Community,” helped them raise over $5,000.
Coach Gallo’s vision, combined with the dedication of the Newfield Boys Basketball team and the Middle Country community, turned Hoops for Hope into more than just a fundraiser—it became a heartfelt tribute to those impacted by breast cancer and a powerful testament to the strength of unity.