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COUNTRYSIDE, Ill. - Are you ready for some basketball? Officers of the Countryside Police Department and other neighboring communities will take on the Gurrie Middle School Tigers in this year's annual "Kids & Cops" D.A.R.E basketball game. On Wednesday, Feb. 27, students, faculty, family and community members will cheer on both teams while participating in raffles and exciting contests at Gurrie Middle School. Over 300 people are expected to partake in the festivities, which will raise money to deliver a gigantic care package to Countryside Officer Kelly Kalker currently serving in Iraq. "This is a great opportunity for the community to join together for a goodwill event," said Officer Ernie Millsap, Countryside D.A.R.E officer. "Our officers really enjoy interacting with the students." The game tips off at 6:30 p.m. but the fun really begins at 5:30 p.m. when the gym doors open. Raffle tickets will be sold for $1 and up for the chance to win car washes, DVD players, pizza and sports memorabilia. The Student Council will sell snacks as patrons pass out free D.A.R.E t-shirts to lucky attendees. A slew of halftime activities include a free throw contest between the 8th grade boys and girls basketball teams. The 7th grade cheerleaders will root for the officers while the 8th grade squad supports the Tigers. Local businesses are also in on the action as the State Bank of Countryside has sponsored team uniforms and the Countryside Chamber of Commerce donates bicycles for the "Make a Basket, Win a Bike" contest. "The City really looks forward to this event each year," said Mayor Robert Conrad. "The turnout, support and excitement demonstrate how active our officers and residents are in our community." Officer Millsap has headed up the department's D.A.R.E efforts for 11 years by teaching weekly classes and hosting creative fundraisers. Millsap changes the beneficiary of the game yearly and has raised as much as $40,000 in the past for charitable causes. Both the officers and kids play hard in the spirited game but in the end, everybody wins. After the game, both teams will take a group photo in front of the D.A.R.E flag to show their commitment to healthy living. Gurrie Middle School is located at 1001 Spring Avenue in LaGrange. All members of nearby communities are welcome to attend. |
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