Fundraiser for sick teacher to include more than B-ball game

Performance by teachers, auction, food and more planned

A silent auction featuring everything from a CBS studio tour to a homemade cheesecake and a digital photo frame will be part of Friday’s (Jan.18)  fundraising event for ill RCS Middle School Teacher Colin Poole.

The highlight of the event is a basketball game between the State Police and RCS administration, faculty and staff – including Principal Pam “Dribbles” Black, Teacher Dr. Neil ”Street Life’ Howard;  Teacher Joe “Trips” Jaskolka; and Teacher Kermit “Chicken Wing” Wamsley.

However, there will be much more taking place at RCS High School that evening as the district rallies to raise money for the 28-year-old Poole, who was diagnosed early this school year with a rare form of cancer called Burkitt’s lymphoma.  Burkitt lymphoma is a very fast growing form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Poole and his wife, who live in Colonie, are presently in New York City, where is being treated at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Middle School TA Bonnie McNeilly said other items to be auctioned during the event include a:

• Sonicare system
• Handmade baby blanket
• Hair care package
• Bath & Bodyworks Baskets
• Movie Basket
• $100 Lowes Gift card
• Scrapbook Basket
• Game Basket
• Camp Supplies
• Fleece Blanket
• Cooking basket

Additionally, radio personality Ric Mitchell from B95.5 will entertain during the halftime show, as will the RCS staff "dance troupe" and the JV cheerleading squad.

There will also be a half court hoop shot for middle school students.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. in the High School gymnasium. The game is slated to start at 7p.m. The school is located at 2025 Rt. 9W in Ravena. Tickets cost $3 for adults, $2 for students. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and refreshments.