Monday, March 17, 2025
SIBSPlace, a local nonprofit organization that provides critical support for children coping with family illness or loss, celebrated a major milestone during its latest fundraiser. For the first time, the organization hosted a university-level event at Molloy University, marking a significant expansion of its long-standing Hoops for Hope fundraiser, which has raised vital funds for the nonprofit for over 20 years.
Held at Molloy University’s Quealy Gymnasium on Feb. 1, the college event featured two basketball games, with the Molloy Lions women’s team triumphing over the Queens College Knights with a score of 74 to 57, and the men’s team following up with a 92 to 68 victory. The Molloy dance team and cheer team were there to encourage the players.
“Molloy is very excited to be hosting the SIBSPlace fundraiser for hope,” Debra McCarthy, advancement associate and communiversity liaison of Molloy University, said. “This is the first time that SIBSPlace has ever done a fundraiser at a university level for 20 years.”
Hoops for Hope, which started as a high school fundraiser led by Bill Dubin, has expanded over the years to include various local schools. This year, in addition to teams from the local high schools, Molloy University joined the effort through their “communiversity” partnership with the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce and the village.
The event raised a total of $13,000, bolstered by donations from sponsors, including the Peninsula Kiwanis, and funds made during the games.
“Part of it is a fundraiser, but more importantly for me, it’s the community awareness,” Joanna Formont, executive director of SIBSPlace, said. “So it’s a wonderful partnership to have with the school, because they’re already helping us. They’re sending us interns, they’re sending us volunteers, they’re helping us out at events, and now they’re helping us with this important fundraiser.”
SIBSPlace serves as a therapeutic haven for children, offering weekly support groups and creative arts programs. The organization also provides free services like family summer camps and bereavement counseling, made possible through donors and local fundraising efforts. Rockville Centre welcomed SIBSPlace, which was originally founded in Hewlett, in 2021.
“There’s never an expectation of a fee for the families, and that’s because we’re very lucky to have great fundraisers and donors and support from the communities the last 25 years,” Formont said.
While the fundraiser was a financial success, the event’s larger goal was to spread awareness of the services SIBSPlace provides to children in need, McCarthy said. The nonprofit remains committed to supporting the emotional well-being of children, providing them with a safe space and a network of caring individuals who understand their struggles. As the organization celebrates 25 years of service, it continues to look forward to the ongoing support of the community in helping its mission thrive.
To learn more about SIBSPlace or to make a donation, visit SIBSPlace.org.
