Ambassadors scheduled for Slam 'n' Jam

Friends of Oak Park Schools, a nonprofit community organization devoted to helping the Oak Park Unified School District with its financial challenges, will host a group of special dignitaries on April 23 at Oak Park High School.

In an effort to raise funds for Oak Park schools, the Harlem Ambassadors will visit the high school's gymnasium to coach local residents in the art of shooting hoops.

Facing off the against the Oak Park Dream Team, a consortium of school faculty, alumni, AYBA coaches and other residents, the Harlem Ambassadors will showcase their skills at the Slam 'n' Jam fest.

Unlike the Harlem Globetrotters, the Ambassadors do not play "stooge" teams each game and could present the Oak Park Dream Team with a real challenge on the court.

"The only throwing in this game will be free throws and three pointers!" said Barry Myerson, chairperson of Friends of Oak Park Schools.

The festival is a fundraiser organized by Friends of Oak Park Schools to help support drama and music programs, counselors, and small class sizes, all of which have been affected by recent state budget cuts.

"Friends of Oak Park Schools were looking for a fresh event, a different type of fundraiser that

would not only excite the families in Oak Park, but attract anyone in the surrounding community as well," said Myerson.

Prior to the game, attendees will be able to sample some of Oak Park's finest cuisine during a "Taste in Oak Park." The tasting will include treats from local restaurants such as Romio's, Pita the Great, Terri's Caf, Sansei and Beanscene.

"Tickets can be purchased onsite and exchanged for a 'taste' of various specialties," said Myerson.

Musical appetites may also be satiated during the tasting with performances by local bands.

"We have the Oak Park High School Jazz band playing along with two Oak Park High School rock bands, Advanced Placement and TMA, as well as Oak Park's own Andrew Cohen playing solo guitar," said Myerson.

Raffle tickets will be sold during the basketball game and the winner of the raffle will be given the opportunity to win a new car by making a half-court shot.

Friends of Oak Park is a relatively new foundation. With 14 board members, it is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting Oak Park Unified District Schools with financial challenges.

"This mission that we have taken on is more than one of necessity, it is one from the heart," Myerson said. "We recognize that

many people who moved to this community did so because of the school district's reputation and record."

Friends of Oak Park has held financially successful golf fundraisers in the past.

"We chose the Ambassadors this year to include many of our non-golfing community to join us as well," said Myerson.

The festival will be held on April 23 and will begin with the "Taste in Oak Park" at 12:30 p.m. The basketball game will be held at 3:00 p.m. with doors opening at 2:30 p.m.

For tickets, visit the website www.friendsofoakparkschools.org or call (818) 735-3270.