Firecrackers celebrate successful fundraising efforts

Flaherty and Bryant awarded by Taylor Memorial Fund for MVP and All-Star status

The Maine Firecrackers were privileged to celebrate their fundraising successes with representatives from the Taylor Memorial Fund on Sunday night. The seventh and eighth-grade Firecrackers helped provide for children affected by domestic violence by raising $5,715 to support the Taylor Memorial Fund, as part of the Seventh Annual Taylor Tip-Off.

Portland’s Aisling Flaherty was named MVP of the Taylor Tip-Off, for the second consecutive year, raising a record amount of $1,995. Anneka Bryant, of Gorham, also had a stellar fundraising effort, raising $425 to earn All-Star status.

The Taylor Tip-Off is a fundraising event that allows players, parents, coaches, officials, parents and fans to enjoy competitive basketball while supporting young, innocent victims of domestic violence. The champions of this tournament are not necessarily the best basketball players with the most points scored, the best jump shot, or the toughest defense. The champions of the Taylor Tip-Off are the teams raising the most money for the Taylor Memorial Fund, supporting young victims of domestic violence.

The eighth-grade team was honored with sweatshirts indicating their standing as overall team champions of the 2015 Taylor Tip-Off, raising a record $4,020. Members of the seventh-grade team were awarded T-shirts for their third place finish, raising a total of $1,695.