The Dowling men’s and women’s basketball teams provided a check to the Make-A-Wish Foundation during halftime of the men’s game February 7.

About 700 people helped make wishes come true on the Dowling campus February 7, as fans attending the school’s men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader helped raise more than $1,300 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The day-long basketball event also featured a women’s alumni game and a number of youth basketball contests.

In addition to the proceeds raised through ticket sales and individual donations, the Dowling men’s and women’s basketball teams presented a check to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for $5,500 to grant one wish to a child with a life-threatening illness. During the ceremony, one child spoke about how the Make-A-Wish Foundation was able to grant his wish to go to Hawaii during his fight with leukemia.

Dowling has now raised a total of more than $14,000 for Make-A-Wish, just shy of the school’s $16,500 goal for the year. 

“Community service has always been important to Dowling athletics,” said Rick Cole, vice president for institutional advancement and athletics. “Our Wishmakers program has been a huge success, and it’s great that Dowling and the community are able to see how the program directly impacts those involved.”

As for the games, the Dowling women’s team downed Concordia (New York) for its sixth straight win. The Golden Lions tied a program record by scoring 97 points in the win. The men’s team lost to Concordia, 62-52. 

– Courtesy Dowling Director of Athletics Communications Director Brian Scios