Commack Teen To Hold Basketball Fundraiser For Suicide Prevention

HOLBROOK, NY — A Commack teenager is set to host his second annual Hoops for Hope three-on-three basketball tournament to raise money and awareness for adolescent suicide prevention, his family shared in a news release.

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 3 at Rossetti Basketball, at 1732 Church St., Holbrook.

Harold Teller started the event when he was 12 years old. Now at age 14, he has continued this
event for the second year in a row. He saw a "devastating need" for mental health resources for children during the coronavirus pandemic and after, according to his mother, Daria. He wanted a way to raise funds and awareness for children who do not know that there’s help.

"I don’t want kids to think they’re alone. Everyone should feel loved," Harold said in a news release.

He decided to seek help from his Basketball Trainer to host the event. Michael Rossetti has provided a venue for a basketball tournament where net proceeds will go to adolescent suicide prevention.

"I am super excited to be having another event!" Harold told Patch. "I want to raise even more money to help kids with suicidal thoughts."

Last year, Harold raised roughly $8,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

For those who would like to participate in this event, you may go to RossettiBasketball.com and
sign up. Teams of four will compete to raise money in a 3V3 basketball tournament.

People can donate by going to the Hoops for Hope page on AFSP.org.