EF Sports Inc. Raises Money for Children and Brings Awareness

This was one game where everyone was rooting for both teams.

Entertainment, charity, and awareness all mixed into one basketball game hosted by EF Sports, Inc., Bharati Dance Academy, and JG Elite Consulting Group Inc. Players from all over the Bronx gathered at Mount Saint Michael Academy for a friendly game of basketball.

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There were different purposes for the night’s charity game, which goal was to raise awareness about domestic violence, breast cancer, and heart disease. It also gave the opportunity for each player to have a chance to be showcased.

20141213-IMG_552120141213-IMG_5503But, the night’s main purpose was charity. “EF Sports, Inc. and the Bharati Dance Academy is really all about community and giving back. Everytime we do the charity event, the donations are used for a different cause. This time the funds are being raised for the Sonia Sotomayor Center for Youth.” said Bharati Kemraj, owner of Bharati Dance Academy and one of the main organizers.

The game was open to the public and free of charge with the option of donations being at the door or through purchasing an item from one of the event’s many sponsors. One of the sponsors was future Bronx coffee shop, Morris Perk. Lovie Pignata explained that, “The existence of Morris Perk is not only a coffee shop but as a resource to serve the community. I am proud to be part of an event that helps the community and the Bronx.” Along with serving up steaming cups of coffee gold was Taylor Made Creations for All Occasions Inc. dishing out moist cakes and cookies.

While the basketball players on both teams are part of a league, all of them are full-time workers for various city agencies. When not playing on the court, players work for the FDNY, NYPD, or as correctional officers. “The men in these leagues are all working men who work in city agencies. All of them are coming together and putting their differences aside for a good cause.” said Ms. Kemraj.

Before performing the ceremonial tip-off, Councilman Andy King expressed the benefits of the game, “All of these players are hard working men that serve our city. This game gives them the chance to let off some steam from their stressful jobs while continuing to serve their community.”

Reciting the pledge of allegiance was Nathalia Fernandez from Mark Gjonaj’s office. The crowd got a special treat during the half time show in which Matthew Silvera performed on his violin.

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Morris Perk owner Lovie Pignata

The night’s sponsors included:
– Sanitation Salvage
– Bharati Dance Academy
– Assemblyman Marcos Crespo
– Morris Perk
– DJ Ambulette Service
– JG Elite Consulting Group Inc.
– Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj
– Exit Reality
– Councilman Andy King
– Big Deal Food Market
– The Bronx Chronicle
– Pelham Bay Home Center
– Affinity Health Plan
– EF Sports
– Metro Optics
– Mount Saint Micheal Academy
– Sparking Ice

At the end of the night, over $2000 was raised for the Sonia Sotomayor Center to give books and clothing items for around 100 children.

The Bronx Chronicle and it’s staff was proud to be a sponsor for EF Sports Inc. Charity Basketball game!

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