603 United gets creative with fundraising event

LACONIA — Fundraising for nonprofits has become very competitive these days. Ones needs to be creative to pull people into fundraising events and offer them something that makes them feel good about donating. The group at 603 United came up with an extraordinary idea to accomplish this. It focused on sports, entertainment and ego.

The first annual Legends Men’s Basketball Tournament was born. Nice concept, get the hero’s of their respective high school basketball teams to come out of retirement and play a round robin basketball tournament for a cash prize. Winner takes all, the cash and bragging rights.

Belmont, Franklin, Gilford, Inter-Lakes, Laconia, Moultonborough, Newfound and Winnisquam were the schools represented. Alumni athletes from the classes of 1986 to 2022 had signed up. 

Some teams were younger than others, but overall, a lot of good games, a lot of fun for players and fans. The final four were: Inter-Lake’s vs Franklin and Newfound vs Laconia, the Championship Game: Franklin vs Newfound with Newfound taking the win.

603 United, also thinking outside the box, teamed up with DPPG Network, who live-streamed all the games, both Saturday and Sunday. The games can still be viewed on their web site dppgnetwork.com.