Love INC, which recently hosted 28 “Love Month” challenges for the community, will host the “Ministers March Mania” basketball game on March 18. The game, which will feature local pastors competing against each other will be hosted at 2 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church and Chautauqua Christian Academy’s gymnasium, which is located at 200 County Touring Route 32.

“The area pastors will be participating in playing basketball to raise funds for Love INC,” Susan Justham, executive director, said. “It’s a donation at the door.”

Justham explained that the basketball fundraiser event will feature fun activities throughout the game, including a beanbag toss, a silent auction and a bake sale to raise money for Love INC’s local ministry.

Justham’s goal for this year’s fundraiser event is to raise $5,000.

Pictured are local pasters participating in Love In the Name of Christ’s “Ministers March Mania” basketball game fundraiser. This year’s fundraiser will take place on March 18 at Bethel Baptist Church and Chautauqua Christian Academy’s gymnasium. Susan Justham, executive director, is hoping to raise $5,000 for the local ministry in the Jamestown community. Submitted photos

“We’ve come close to that a couple of times, so I would say $5,000,” she said.

Love INC’s last “Ministers March Mania” basketball fundraiser was scheduled to take place right before the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the fundraiser.

“This is the first one since the pandemic,” Justham said. “Some of the pastors have been clamoring, ‘Can we play? Are we going to play?'”

Currently, 18 players from 17 different local churches are expected to play at the “Ministers March Mania” game. The game will consist of four 10-minute quarters, with the Jamestown Jackals participating in the second half of the basketball game. The Jamestown Jackals will also participate in a basketball shooting competition with Pastor Mel McGinnis from Kiantone Congregational Church.

“We have a competition between the teams to see which team can help raise the most funds for Love INC,” Justham said. “A spirit award will be given to the church with the most spirit.”

Pictured are local pasters participating in Love In the Name of Christ’s “Ministers March Mania” basketball game fundraiser. This year’s fundraiser will take place on March 18 at Bethel Baptist Church and Chautauqua Christian Academy’s gymnasium. Susan Justham, executive director, is hoping to raise $5,000 for the local ministry in the Jamestown community. Submitted photos

Justham explained that the “Ministers March Mania event is a time for local pastors to “get together” and “have fun” by enjoying a game of basketball, while raising money for a good cause. According to Justham, the event is something enjoyable both for the pastors participating in the basketball game and for those attending and supporting the event.

As the event returns for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Justham is encouraging community members to come to the event and support the ministry of Love INC.

“It’s a great opportunity,” she said. “It’s a family event. It’s a lot of fun to watch the pastors. We also have the Jamestown Jackals that come in and join us. It just creates a new level of basketball with the combination. We’re so excited to bring this event back and I believe the pastors are too.”

Justham said the basketball game will provide fun for anyone in the community who attends the fundraiser event. As one of Love INC’s two fundraising opportunities throughout the year, community members will have the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to Love INC’s mission.

Those interested in more information about the “Ministers March Mania” event can contact Love INC at 716-338-9828. ?