Donning athletic gear and sneakers, staff from Columbia's Studebaker building, Student Services department, and Facilities-Operations and Public Safety-competed against each other in Columbia Community Service (CCS)'s first basketball tournament. Held on January 8, 2010 at Levien Gymnasium, the tournament drew a crowd of more than 150 spectators, who cheered for our teams and watched Facilities Operations lost to the Studebaker team (21-34). The event rose close to $1,500 for CCS's annual appeal, which supports local food pantries, after-school programs, and community-based nonprofits.
"It was fantastic to see all of the people who gave so freely of their personal time to not only support their co-workers but all of our neighbors as well. It was a great event and a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to next year. I think that everyone who participated really deserves a lot of credit," said Mark Kerman, Assistant Vice President, Facilities' Residential Operations.
Each basketball team consisted of approximately 20 volunteers, who spent about a week prepping for the tournament. The games, played back-to-back, consisted of two 20 minute periods. Boubacar Maiga, Director, Custodial Services coached the Facilities team while the Public Safety team was led by Lieutenant Frank Espinal and Security Officer Johnny Pugh.
The CCS basketball tournament was the brainchild of Wally Rivera, Assistant Manager, Undergraduate Housing. Columbia University Facilities, Public Safety, Undergraduate Housing, Athletics, and Student Services teamed to organize the event. Joyce Jackson, Executive Director, Housing and Accommodation Services; Jose Rosa, Director, Operations and Customer Service; and Mark Kerman, Assistant Vice President, Facilities Residential Operations and the organization's current president oversaw this joint effort to benefit the local community.
Since its inception in 1946, Columbia Community Service has helped countless people in the Columbia area. CCS is a voluntary organization, and no portion of its contributions is used for administrative costs or salaries. If you would like to donate to CCS, please visit http://communityservice.columbia.edu/
