Photo provided The students, staff and community of Bridgeport Exempted Village School District came through and more, raising $2,000 during their March Madness Free Throw Fundraiser for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Shoot and score! Bridgeport students raise $2,000 for Alzheimer’s Walk

BRIDGEPORT – The Bulldogs of Bridgeport Exempted Village School District are celebrating a slam dunk for charity. Students, staff and community members raised $2,000 during the March Madness free throw fundraiser for the Upper Ohio Valley Walk to End Alzheimer’s, surpassing the organizers’ expectations.

Kimberly Harris, an Algebra I teacher, started the fundraiser several years ago to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s and give students a chance to contribute through basketball. Each year’s event has grown, but the March 18 free throw session exceeded all previous totals.

“Last year we raised about $850. This year we set a goal of $1,000, and the kids ended up raising $2,000. They doubled their goal,” Harris said.

About 20 students participated, collecting pledges based on how many shots they could make in a minute. Other basketball players took on challenges with different types of shots.

Standouts included juniors Cole Weekley and Jaleel Vincent, who raised more than $500 each.

“I was shocked, because Jaleel and Cole were shooting at the same time on separate hoops. I got Jaleel’s number–it was over $600–and Cole’s was $500. Right there we knew we had met the goal with just those two students. It was really awesome to watch the kids enjoying it,” Harris said.

Cole Weekley collected $50 in pledges per free throw plus a $30 donation, totaling $530 for 10 shots. Jaleel Vincent made 24 regular shots and 14 three-pointers for $668.

Harris said younger students also impressed. Sophomore Addie Snodgrass made 12 shots in her minute, earning $21, while senior Kaylee Baxter raised $127.60 with 11 shots.

Other students attempted half-court shots, and junior Evan Clark completed a dunk challenge, earning $40 with one shot.

Harris said staff and family support helped the fundraiser succeed, even with snow days limiting students’ ability to solicit pledges.

“Our staff really showed support for the kids. We had a lot of parents supporting them, and grandparents always pledge,” she said.