Hundreds of New City-Area Youngsters Join in 'Hoops 4 Dana' Tournament

Hundreds of New City-area youngsters and their families turned out at Clarkstown North High School on Sunday for the "Hoops 4 Dana" fundraising basketball tournament.

“Hoops 4 Dana” is a tribute to Clarkstown North High School student  who died in a December 2010 car accident. All proceeds go to “Friends of Dana,” which funds a scholarship and continues Sassano’s mission of helping those in need.

Competitions included youngsters ranging from third-graders all the way up to 12th-graders.

Sassano and three friends, all seniors at Clarkstown schools, were returning from a New Jersey ski trip when they were involved in a tragic car accident on a hilly section of Route 17A near Greenwood Lake. The New City teenager was a senior at Clarkstown North High School, a member of the National Honor Society and involved with various charities including the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Heart and Locks of Love. Her family donated her heart, which helped to save the lives of two infants.  

To donate scholarship fund, send checks to Friends of Dana, 16 Sundbury Drive, New City, NY 10956.