Harlem Wizards Make Greeley Visit

The gym at Horace Greeley High School was packed Sunday, as exicted onlookers came to see the Harlem Wizards make its annual visit to Chappaqua.

The Wizards, whose hoops are interpersed with comedy and drawing kids from the audience into the action, visit every year as part of a fundraiser for the Chappaqua School Foundation. The CSF uses the proceeds, in turn, to provide grants for programs in Chappaqua schools that go beyond what the regular budget funds.

The visitors also got to take on a home-grown team: the Chappaqua Challengers, who are made up of faculty and staff from all six of the Chappaqua school district's schools.

“It's a wonderful fundraiser," said Allison Wintner, who is president of the CSF. Turnout was high, as she noted 1,000 tickets were sold.

“It's just a lot of fun," said Wizards player Mighty Mike Simmel, who has been with the team for about 11 years.

Wizard John Francis Smith, who plays as Big J, said that any time he gets to put on a Wizards uniform and entertain kids, “it's the best thing in the world.” 

The CSF has another big event coming in a few months. Its 19th-annual spring benefit is on April 26, 7 p.m., at Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor.