A group of students from area schools Palmetto, Palmer and Coral Reef is putting on a charity basketball tournament on Saturday, May 19. The 10th Annual Miracle Games “3 on 3” Tournament will take place at 12:30 p.m. at the Temple Beth Am Gym, 5950 Kendall Drive in Pinecrest, and will benefit Achieve Miami, an organization dedicated to fostering a “transformational educational ecosystem” here.
“The Miracle Games are a great way to give back to the community while enjoying healthy competition on the basketball court,” said Blake Rubenstein, one of the teen organizers.
More than 150 guests/players are expected to participate in this year’s Miracle Games. Miracle Games was started by Jonathan Roth, Matthew Hellinger and Jayden Hardaway, three local students who saw the need to raise awareness on the importance of organ donation.
Since starting they have raised more than $20,000 in support of the transplant community. This year their board of students has decided to raise money for another worthwhile organization here, Achieve Miami, where students build positive relationships with literacy through guidance, encouragement, and FUN as Big Buddy Mentors.
Dylan Weingarden, one of the other teen organizers, explained. “Achieve Miami is a special program that we have been involved with since our freshman year. Mentoring younger kids is very gratifying for us.”
Both Rubenstein and Weingarden agreed that the event was passed on to them and they hope that future teen community leaders will continue its legacy.
Together with partners from the public and private sector, Achieve Miami designs and manages programs that extend learning opportunities for students, teachers and education leaders. Their programs are community based in partnership with elementary sites and engage over 1000 students and extend learning by 100’s of hours annually.
Community service hours will be given to players and volunteers. Singles, pairs or teams of three are welcome. The donation is $10 per player or $30 per team. Singles and pairs will be placed onto three player teams prior to the start of the event. Payment may be made by cash or check payable to: Achieve Miami or go online to www.achievemiami.org/donate.
The organizers hope that individuals and businesses will consider becoming sponsors for the 2018 Miracle Games. All donations are welcome and appreciated, however Financial and in-kind sponsors with a value of $100 or more will be advertised in the event programs as well as any media coverage. Donations will be acknowledged by Achieve Miami and tax receipts will come directly from them.
Besides Blake Rubenstein and Dylan Weingarden, others participating are Zachary Friedland, Ross Ladis, Ben Lipson and Sam Zimelman.
For inquiries email melissaweingarden@gmail.com or jgrjoro@aol.com.
