Buckets for Baldrick's at Westhill

More than 360 hoops players from across Central New York—many from Westhill—participated in the fourth annual Buckets for St. Baldrick’s 3 v 3 youth basketball tournament at Cherry Road School on Sunday April 6.
 
The event raised over $88,000 for pediatric cancer research thanks to the fundraising efforts of the players, as well as many generous donations and sponsorships from local businesses, including many with connections to the Westhill School District. In conjunction with the tournament, several staff members shaved their heads at CRS and Walberta on March 28 with the Westhill Shave Team, which contributed almost $12,000 to the fundraising total. 
 
Players in grades 2 through 8—including two cancer survivors—competed in grade level age group competitions from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. and winners were awarded medals and basketballs. Players were visited by several members of the Syracuse University women’s and men’s basketball teams, as well as Otto the Orange. 
 
The tournament, started by 2023 WHS graduate Bodie Centore, has raised over $217,000 since its inception in 2022.  Donations can still be made to the 2025 event here: https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/buckets25
 
Staff members who shaved their heads were Superintendent Steve Dunham, Assistant Superintendent Rick Chapman, WHS Principal Dan Dolan, CRS principal Jeremie Auge, WPS teachers Peggy Byrne and Kevin Hoag, and district social worker David Minney.
 
 Special thanks go to Mr. Dunham, Jon Connelly and Zachary Kiggins for all their help; to the Cherry Road custodial staff; the Westhill basketball players, National Honor Society students, teachers, parents and alumni who volunteered to referee and help; and to Kevin McClave and Jaida Welch for capturing the day in photo and video.