Williamston boys basketball coach Jason Bauer, second from left, accepts the Class B regional trophy after the Hornets win over Stockbridge in March at Eaton Rapids High School. Bauer has been sidelined because of brain tumors that were removed last spring.
WILLIAMSTON – It’s been eight months since Williamston varsity boys basketball coach Jason Bauer was diagnosed with two cancerous brain tumors. And the Williamston community is trying to help raise money for Bauer’s family with an all-day hoops event.
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“Battle-4-Bauer” is the community’s attempt at the “longest, continuous basketball game in Michigan” and will begin at 6 a.m. Saturday and run until midnight at Williamston High School. The goal is to get 120 teams registered – any team of at least five players can register – and have each game last 18 minutes. The fee to participate in the event is $100 and spectators will be charged $10.
Aside from donations and registration fees, there will be vendors, silent auctions, and more, to help reach the $15,000 goal to send the Bauer family to Disney World during the holidays and help toward medical bills.
“The good we’re doing here will last a lifetime, not only with the family, but in all those who came to show their support and volunteer,” said Andrea Kleiver, one of the coordinators of the event. “It’s inspiring to see so many people step up, chip in and offer to help out. This will be one basketball game where everyone wins.”
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The first 350 spectators through the doors will receive a Battle-4-Bauer bracelet. There will also be free throw and 3-point contests running throughout the 18-hour event.
There are still available spots for teams to register. To register, donate or learn more about the event, visit here.
Contact James L. Edwards III at jledwards@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @JLEdwardsIII.
BATTLE-4-BAUER
What: An all-day basketball event to raise money for the family of Jason Bauer
When: Saturday (Nov. 19) at 6 a.m.
Where: Williamston High School
Information: http://www.battle4bauer.com/