Local Businesses Score Big For Students

The Fort Lee Regional Chamber of Commerce (FLRCOC) put on a show as host of their second annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament to benefit Academy of Finance (AOF) students at Fort Lee High School (FLHS) on April 21.

Event coordinator Margaret Maclay led the efforts, along with FLHS senior Ji Hoon Son, last summer’s Chamber intern, who put together a dedicated group of student volunteers: Mervat El Sherbiny, Destinee Fornes, Ally Long, Caitlin Maida, Michael Zhadanovsky and Peter Kim. Son rallied the five FLHS teams and also played in the game.

There were seven other teams, ranging from business owners to community leaders.

“The competition was friendly, yet fierce,” said Craig Weinstein, former Chamber president. The athletes really went at it and played their hearts out.”

Luckily, everyone came though unscathed, but Dr. Timothy Simansky of Bergen Chiropractic & Sports Center was on hand just in case.

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon Amato attended and cheered on the teams.

A chamber committee comprised of Doug and Todd Feltman, Linda Farrell,

Diana Capron, Nancy Stern, Hope Player, Jaime Weiss and Liz Crawford lent their support.

Weinstein and his wife Renee returned to run the tournament logistics, including time and scorekeeping, Maclay said.

Event sponsor, The Bank of New Jersey (BNJ) returned, along with Bergen Chiro Ballers, last year’s runner-up. Cliffside Park, Fort Lee, Palisades Park and Ridgefield were all well represented.

With the choice of any student group to support, Maclay called the AOF a perfect fit.

“A number of chamber members serve on the AOF Board of Directors and we recognized the importance of extra-curricular activities and the internship (an AOF requirement) for its’ effectiveness,” Maclay said.

She presented Linda Farrell, AOF Director, a check for $1,000 to cover field trip transportation costs and a summer internship for an 11th grade student.

Farrell will begin the selection process with the chamber office and acknowledged their assistance; members who serve as classroom speakers for their vocation and as mentors.

“I am very pleased by the valuable relationship AOF has with the Chamber, they work very hard for this event and I thank them for their continuing support for our students,” Farrell said.

Maclay said the community has been incredibly supportive and sponsorships and donations poured in from businesses, organizations and individuals.

With player’s ages spanning several decades, there were classic match ups of older experienced athletes and young athletes with skill and great speed, according to Chamber member Doug Feltman.

Chamber member Hope Player echoed that sentiment, as she witnessed the Ballers against the Globetrotters and the ability of both teams, as well as the respect they displayed for each other.

“The event is a fundraiser for the Academy of Finance, but the rewards exceed just the financial gains as the adults and teens share the common ground of the sport of basketball,” said Player.

Weiss Realty was a t-shirt sponsor and Diana Capron-New York Life a trophy sponsor. Supporting sponsors included BNB Bank, Bergen Chiropractic & Sports Center, Boom Boom Chicken (Fort Lee & Edison), Cartridge World Business Direct, Floor Town, Karla Cino Realtors, Ray Mees Auto Body, Stephen M. Gross, Inc. and The Arcadian Group, LLC.

Fort Lee A&P, Fort Lee Best Western, Cafasso’s Fairway Market, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Law Offices of Craig Weinstein, New York Liberty (WNBA), Maclay Associates, LLC, Otterstedt Insurance, Starbuck’s, Steven Engravalle, Superintendent of Schools and Wendy’s all made donations. 

“The highlight was the way such a diverse group came together to organize, support, compete and cheer each other on,” Maclay said, adding that it exemplified the true spirit of ‘community.’

The Bergen Chiro Ballers took a down and dirty shot at the crown as second time runners-up and remain determined to win.

“[I] had a great time at the tournament [again]. Everyone was so pleasant and nice to talk with,” said team captain Tommy Biggiani. “As for my team- I guess its better luck next year.”

The Globetrotters, a team of former high school basketball standouts from Fort Lee and Cliffside Park wowed the crowd in the finals to take home the top prize-- trophies and a certificate from Dick's Sporting Goods.

“In the end, the Ballers could not stop Jorge Jorge of the Globetrotters and his high flying acrobatic show of spins, dunks and other death defying acts,” said Weinstein.