The Falconer Central School District is holding its annual “Hoops for Hospice” game tonight. Pictured is 2018’s Falconer Girl’s Varsity and JV Basketball team from the previous “Hoops for Hospice” night. Proceeds from tonight’s game will be donated to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care and in memory of Kay Patterson. P-J File Photo by Noah Rankin

Once again the Falconer Central School Girl’s Varsity and JV Basketball team will play in honor of loved ones at the 9th annual “Hoops for Hospice” game.

The event was created nine years ago by Emily Scholeno, basketball coach, after her high school friend’s mother, Dolly Cline, passed away. Ever since, Scholeno has coached in honor of Cline during the “Hoops for Hospice” game. Each individual player plays in honor of anyone they choose to remember, but the overall proceeds are typically donated to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care in memory of one person.

“We wanted to help raise awareness for those who are still there that need the love and support the most,” Scholeno told The Post-Journal regarding the origin of the event.

This year, the donations will be given to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care in memory of Kay Patterson. Patterson is the grandmother of JV basketball player Kayla Jo Lynn.

Scholeno described Kay Patterson and their family as being “so family oriented.”

Kay Patterson passed away on Jan. 19 under the care of Hospice.

The game’s proceeds, including tickets, basket raffle, bake sale and T-shirt sale, all go toward Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care.

Anyone wishing to donate has been directed to call Scholeno at 716-665-6624. The JV and Varsity basketball games will start at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.

The event has previously raised up to $6,000, but Scholeno said the goal of tonight’s game is to hit around $3,000. She said the turnout of the game is always large, and noted that the community looks forward to the game. People will express their anticipation outside of school leading up to the tip off of the first game.

“We’ve been able to make it a little bit more special each year for those who lost their battle,” Scholeno said.

Last year, the money raised during the event was donated in memory of Rosemary Billquist and Troy Little.