Harlem Wizards game raises funds for Redlands Unified

REDLANDS, Calif. — A high-energy night of basketball, comedy and community spirit filled the gym at Redlands East Valley High School on April 24 as the Harlem Wizards took on a team of Redlands Unified educators in a fundraiser supporting local classrooms.

Hosted by the Redlands Educational Partnership, the event featured the Wizards’ signature blend of slam dunks, trick shots and interactive entertainment, drawing cheers and laughter from students, families and community members.

The REP Rebounders — a team made up of Redlands Unified School District teachers, administrators and staff — joined the Wizards on the court, showcasing their own skills while engaging with students in a lighthearted competition.

At halftime and after the game, students had the chance to meet the players, collect autographs and interact with the team.

“Meeting the players was really cool,” said Kavon Nash, a fourth-grade student at Franklin Elementary School. “But the best part was seeing Coach Tom making so many 3’s! I was cheering so loud.”

“Coach Tom,” also known as Thomas Sponheim, a physical education teacher at Franklin Elementary, stood out for his performance, hitting several three-point shots and demonstrating ball-handling tricks, including spinning a basketball on his finger.

Proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise and concessions will support Redlands Educational Partnership programs that provide grants and classroom resources for teachers and principals across the district.

Redlands Community Hospital served as the event’s exclusive full-court sponsor. Additional sponsors included Donna West Family, Neal and Joyce Waner, Costco Wholesale, the Redlands Police Officers Association Foundation, Hatfield Buick GMC, Raising Cane’s, Strategic Financial Solutions and Jovi’s Diner.

More information about the Redlands Educational Partnership and its programs is available at the organization’s website.

This article was written based on a media release from Redlands Unified School District office of communication.