By: Kaylin Huish & Denise Garcia

Last weekend, the IC Public Relations Student Society of America hosted its 17th annual Swish for Make-A-Wish! Semi-pro and pro basketball teams competed to win gift cards to local businesses, as well as raise profits for Make-A-Wish Central NY. Keep reading to find out more about the event, as well as why it is one of the best events on campus!

The Food

The community came together and we were able to receive several donations from local companies such as Firehouse Subs, Dunkin Donuts and over 800 chicken wings from Buffalo Wild Wings!

The Competition

Alumni and current students came to play 5 on 5 games and ultimately win their bracket! There was great team camaraderie and it was very fun to watch. Swish was a perfect display of how sports can bring people together and strengthen the community.

The Cause

During halftime, AnaMaria Ahmed and her mother, Darlene Arnold, told their story of AnaMaria’s fight to survive childhood cancer. It was a wonderful moment during the event when everyone was able to understand the importance of this cause and why they Swish for Make-A-Wish. During her speech, Darlene said, ”When It was the darkest and most horrible Make-A-Wish gave us hope.”

The Generosity

Every dollar raised throughout the entire event will go toward making a sick child’s wish come true. We will still be accepting donations until May 5, so if you are interested in contributing to this great cause, click here: http://site.wish.org/site/TR?px=3868753&fr_id=2662&pg=personal.

The Sponsors

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous, local business of Ithaca! We thank the following companies for donating food for the event, team prizes, or incredible raffle prizes for event visitors!

Agava • Applebee’s • August Moon Spa • Buffalo Wild Wings • Ithaca Escape Room • Finger Lakes Running • Firehouse Subs • Green Star Co-op • Hilton • Italian Carry Out • Kilpatrick’s • Marriott • Panera • Pudgie’s

The Entertainment

All eyes were on IC Unbound when they performed two choreographed dances at halftime! We thank them for taking the time to donating their time to the Make-A-Wish cause!

The Music

Thanks to WICB, Ithaca College’s on-campus radio station, players and visitors were able to enjoy a wide range of music while they were competing, eating, and hanging out! 

Once again, thank you to all the organizations who helped make this year’s Swish for Make-A-Wish a success! We’re almost to our goal of $3,000!