By Krystal Austin
Special to The Review
This past Saturday, Lake Orion High School hosted the fifth annual Volleyball Tournament Fundraiser.
All proceeds from the fundraiser went to benefit Dragon GAP (Guided Activities Program) and the Lake Orion Special Education Department throughout the district.
Teams consisted of six adult volleyball players; three men and three women. There were 25 teams that participated altogether.
The fundraiser raised GAP and special education $7,500, with the money to be split 50/50 between the groups.
Each team paid $300 dollars, or $50 per player, to participate. This cost included food, t-shirts, play time, and prizes. All items were donated by local companies, such as food, t-shirts, and prizes.
Some of the major tournament sponsors included: Tool Sport and Sign, Village Trophy, Jet’s Pizza, Lake Orion Tubby’s, Garden Fresh Chips and Salsa, Madison Heights Sam’s Club, both Lake Orion Krogers, and many more.
Sheri Kaplan from the Special Education Department, and Ben Gerdeman from GAP, were the hosts for the day.
The teams were separated into three categories: competitive level with eight teams, intermediate level with 12 teams, and the ‘Athletic Supporters? with five teams.
The ‘Athletic Supporters? consisted of five teams of Lake Orion Schools staff and administration, and the Blanche Sims Elementary Team took first place.
At the intermediate level the team ‘Bombed? from Novi won, and in the competitive level ‘The Tribe? from Waterford won overall.
Whether the team won or lost, everyone got a prize, varying from a $10 gift certificate to a fondue chocolate fountain.
The participants had a great time supporting a good cause and having a little competitive fun.
Both Gerdeman and Kaplan were very happy with the amount raised for their programs, noting that fundraisers like this keep great programs like GAP and Special Education going.
Next week, The Review will feature pictures of the winning teams.