Our program featured a preview of the Jack Bennett Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament. Tournament Chair Lew Fish spoke of the founding of the event 26 years ago. Easton Rotarian Jack Bennett took charge of the Tournament that was held at Lafayette College. Eventually the NCAA insisted we leave Lafayette, and the games were moved to their present location at the Easton Middle School. The event has become generational as some of the current coaches reminisce about playing in the Tournament.
The focus may be on basketball but the underlying reason for playing is service to the community. The Jack Bennett Classic has generated over $800,000 for community projects. Some of the teams incorporate service projects to go along with the Tournament. The Easton team has been running a toy drive for the last nine years. This year’s lineup features girls’ teams from Easton Phillipsburg, Freedom, and Mifflin County. Boys’ teams will be from Easton, Phillipsburg, Bangor, and West Philadelphia.
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