$10,000 raised at Rotary Shootout

The Sayegh clan of Mahopac includes Alex, 6, and his sisters—Susannah, 11 and Sophia, 9. ERIC GROSS Inclement weather failed to dampen the spirits of dozens of basketball enthusiasts who turned out Saturday at Carmel High School for the annual Carmel Rotary Basketball Shootout.

The activity is unique across Putnam, since it allows participants to exercise while raising funds for their favorite non-for-profit organization.

Carmel Rotary Basketball Shootout co-chairs Bob Gentile of Patterson and Al Lotrecchiano of Carmel thanked the community for supporting each other. “So many organizations benefitted including the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, BOCES, Carmel Sports Association, Cystic Fibrosis Society, Friends of Karen, and Green Chimneys,” said Gentile.

Lotrecchiano added: “Other groups in need of funding which received assistance included Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy, Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, Mahopac Library, People against Domestic Violence, Putnam Arts Council, Putnam Family and Community Services, and the Walter Hoving Home.”

On Sunday, Lotrecchiano tabulated the money collected—an amazing $10,000 despite the inclement weather.

While dozens of organizations benefitted, Lotrecchiano had special praise for the Carmel High School Baseball team which under the direction of Coach Bob Shilling raised $1,080 when each of the team’s 24 players shot baskets.

Putnam Family and Community Services supporters raised $1,299, including Matt Arrigale, who single handedly collected $1,139, while shooters for Cornell Cooperative Extension collected $1,239.

Special mention was given to Jane Sypher, a 70-year-young resident of Southeast, who shot baskets and raised $465 for the Brewster-Carmel Garden Club.

Lotrecchiano said those unable to attend due to the weather but would like to make a donation can do so this week by calling the Rotary Shoot-out hotline at 225-4835.

—Eric Gross