Hoops for Davis tournament to raise money for scholarships, kids in Stanwood

Published 10:46 pm Tuesday, April 14, 2009

STANWOOD — They’ll be slammin’ and jammin’ come Friday.

The annual Hoops for Davis tournament that raises funds for the Davis Carlson Memorial Fund begins at 5 p.m. in the high school gym.

The memorial fund supports a scholarship awarded each year to a graduating Stanwood High School senior involved in community service. In addition, proceeds from Hoops for Davis go to the Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation to support programs for young people, Stanwood teacher Garry Carlson said.

The fund and the fundraising event are named for Carlson’s son Davis, who died Dec. 25, 2005, at the age of 11 after fighting leukemia. During Davis’ illness, the Stanwood and Camano Island community supported his family in many ways, Carlson said

“Hoops for Davis is an annual celebration of Davis’ life,” Carlson said. “The basketball games are designed to bring awareness to our community about community service and support.”

Davis was an avid sports fan and participant, so the basketball tournament is a great way to remember him, Carlson said.

The games include those among faculty, alumni and high school juniors and seniors. More alumni players are needed for the tournament.

The event also includes carnival games for kids, a silent auction, a dessert table and a performance by the Stanwood High School drum line.

Tickets are $4 or $10 for a family.

Last year, nearly 1,000 people attended the tournament, and organizers hope to pack the gym again on Friday.

To donate to the Davis Carlson Memorial Fund, write to Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation, P.O. Box 1209, Stanwood, WA 98292.

“It is a strong community that seeks to help out others in need,” Carlson said.