2nd Annual "Cagers for Crohn's" Fundraiser

Fond du Lac News-Talk Radio 1450 KFIZ and Fondy Basketball Alumni (including former DePaul Blue Demon Drake Diener) bring you the 2nd Annual "Cagers for Crohn's" event Saturday, June 23, at Riverside Elementary School Gym (former Goodrich High School gym).

Eight teams, representing different eras of Fond du Lac high school basketball, will play in the ultimate tournament. Games will begin at 8:30 a.m. , with the championship game beginning at 4 p.m. News Talk 1450 KFIZ will be broadcasting the championship game.

This year's event will also include a "Legends" Oldtimers game at 2:30 and an all day Lightning shooting contest for boys and girls of all ages. Kids will be able to qualify throughout the day for the right to compete at halftime of the Title game and prove that they are the “Best Shooter”.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Camp Oasis . Camp Oasis , located in Waupaca, is for children ages 10 to 17 suffering from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Last year "Cagers for Crohn's" raised over $12,000 for the camp.

Fond du Lac Basketball alumni committed to playing in the tournament include former All-State and/or Division 1 players Brian Bestor, Brad Bestor, Eric Grams, Adam Zakos, Drew Diener, Drake Diener, Travis Diener of the Orlando Magic and Robby Springborn.

About 2 years ago, former Fond du Lac high school and DePaul University basketball star Drake Diener was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. The diagnosis came as Diener worked toward his goal of playing in the NBA. He endured numerous operations and eventually lost over 45 pounds.

In the last 2 years, Diener has made extraordinary progress and recently completed his first year of professional basketball in Italy . He plans on continuing his drive for the NBA this summer and will be playing in the upcomimg NBA Summer League. However, through his illness he saw a need to educate people about this disease, especially educating people about Camp Oasis, which allows children with the disease the opportunity to "be kids" for one week each summer.

Fans of great basketball are invited to join in the fun on Saturday, June 23 at the Riverside Elementary School Gym. Raffles will be held throughout the day for great sports memorabilia as well as tickets and other packages for events throughout the state.