July 28, 2025

High School Athletes Shine at Charity Basketball Game

News Summary

High school athletes triumphed over local celebrities in a charity basketball game aimed at supporting homeless students in Duval County. The event raised funds to provide essential resources for over 3,000 children in need. With a score of 59-54, the All Stars ended the celebrity team’s two-year winning streak, showcasing the importance of community involvement in tackling youth homelessness. The event emphasized raising awareness and mobilizing resources for essential needs like uniforms and accommodations for homeless students.

Jacksonville, Florida – High school athletes took the spotlight and emerged victorious at the I’m A Star charity basketball game held at Riverside High School this past weekend, defeating local celebrities with a score of 59-54. This annual event, which aims to support homeless students in Duval County, successfully raised funds that will provide essential resources for over 3,000 children in need within the community.

The charity game not only featured competitive basketball but also served as a crucial platform for raising awareness about youth homelessness. Duval County School Board Member Darryl Willie, who participated in the game wearing a red shirt, emphasized the importance of assisting homeless children. This year’s event aimed to build on the previous year’s success, where the fundraising total reached just over $60,000. The goal for this year’s event was set around $65,000, with funds earmarked for essential expenses like uniforms, hotel accommodations, senior fees, and other necessities for homeless students.

Betty Burney, the CEO of I’m A Star, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to supporting children’s needs that many individuals often take for granted. This commitment has driven the organization to create events like the charity basketball game, which aim to mobilize community support and resources towards the issue of youth homelessness in Duval County.

The game’s outcome marked a notable change, as the high school All Stars snapped the two-year winning streak of the celebrity team. The event attracted a wide audience, including various local celebrities and community members, who came together to support a meaningful cause. Attendance at such events underscores the crucial role of community involvement in battling homelessness among youth.

Willie reiterated the broader impact of raising awareness about youth homelessness during his participation in the game. The discussion surrounding these issues is vital to ensuring that adequate resources are available to support the affected students. The effort to engage celebrities and local leaders not only highlights the seriousness of the problem but also inspires individuals in the community to take action and contribute positively.

This charity basketball game is just one of many initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges faced by homeless students in the area. With statistics indicating that the need continues to grow, community involvement remains essential to tackling youth homelessness effectively. Events like these are more than just a competition; they are a call to action for the broader community to come together and ensure that every child has access to basic resources and opportunities.

As the high school All Stars celebrate their victory, the true winners of the day are the children who will benefit from the funds raised. The commitment shown by both participants and attendees reflects a shared responsibility to uplift and support the vulnerable youth within Duval County.

With the success of this year’s charity game and continued community engagement, organizers hope to expand their efforts and raise further awareness of youth homelessness in the months and years to come. By prioritizing the well-being of homeless students and ensuring their needs are met, the community can work together to foster a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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