Carla Clark | For The Republic Dwayne “Swoop” Simpson, #000, laughs as he holds the referee, Dimitar Toltkov, after he slapped him with powder covered hands during Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North Gym, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
The Harlem Wizards made a return appearance to Columbus on Sunday, for a rematch with a Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. team that raised more than $16,000 for the Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation.
“It was jam packed and full of excitement!” said BCSF Executive Director Nicole Cunningham.
The home team — also known as the “BCSF Stars” — was coached by BCSC Superintendent Jim Roberts.
The game, which took place at Columbus North High School, is the school foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. According to Cunningham, revenue from tickets and souvenir sales was $16,031 after paying for expenses such as the Wizards’ appearance, ticketing fees, hotels, food and other supplies.
“This is the highest earning Wizards game since they began coming to Columbus in 2017,” said Cunningham. “The money earned through the game will help fund our teacher grant program, Donors Choose, and other BCSF programs and initiatives.”
About 1,800 guests purchased tickets, but the number of people present at the game was closer to 2,000, said Cunningham. This total included volunteers, BCSF Stars team members from various local schools, and community partner guests who were given tickets as part of their sponsorships.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Benjamin Grayson, pushed by Dwayne “Swoop” Simpson, #000, leads the laps around the court during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic The colors are presented as the students sing the National Anthem during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Jerone Wood, BCSF Stars #32, does a cartwheel when he is introduced during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Nicole Cunningham, BCSF executive director, gives the welcome speech during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The RepublicLaura Hack, director of elementary instruction for BCSC, brings D.J. Sims to the court during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Kids reach for the ball as Harlem Wizards make baskets during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022 Carla Clark | For The Republic
Carla Clark | For The Republic Alaura Ferguson sends the ball back to a Harlem Wizard during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Dwayne “Swoop” Simpson helps Lucas Blankenship spin the ball on his finger tip during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic At halftime the Harlem Wizards meet with fans for selfies and to sign autographs during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Ke’Sean Higgins, at left, prepares to catch his ball after it was autographed by Jimmy “Live Action” Bosque #3, during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Emerson Fields, held up by the players, makes a basket as the BCSF Stars team looks on during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Emerson Fields, held up by the players, is the focus of a skit in which he is the pretend son of Dwayne “Swoop” Simpson, #000, at left, during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Debbie Marr, BCSF Stars #33,just can’t reach the ball held by John “Big J” Smith, #31, during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Michael Norris,#25 on the BCSF Stars team, gets some tips on guarding during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Wade Froedge, at left, gets a high five from Harlem Wizards player#38 during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Jill Garris, BCSF Stars #20, tries to guard James “Roadrunner” Tyndal, player #4, during the Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North High School gymnasium, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Dwayne “Swoop” Simpson, #000, laughs as he holds the referee, Dimitar Toltkov, after he slapped him with powder covered hands during Harlem Wizards BCSF fundraiser at Columbus North Gym, Sunday, March 6, 2022.
