March Madness is upon us, and this year more than 400 team members from Hackensack Meridian Health will hit the hardwood to raise funds for Hackensack Meridian Health’s Circle of Compassion during the 7th Annual Basketball Fever Tournament.

24 teams from Hackensack University Medical Center and Palisades Medical Center will participate in the tournament, scheduled to run from March 18 to March 28 at Maywood Middle School in Maywood.

The players will raise money for Hackensack Meridian Health’s Circle of Compassion which provides team members with emergency financial support for catastrophic events or other hardships. Last year, a team from Palisades Medical Center took home the championship trophy and nearly $15,000 was raised during the tournament.

The event is a fun way for colleagues to help one another. In addition to sponsored hoopsters, money is raised through contests and the sale of merchandise. Festivities include skills-based competitions, like shooting challenges where hospital executives all come together for some light-hearted competition.

Announcers, scorekeepers and referees are all volunteers, and the lively event brings together colleagues from many parts of the organization.

“You have a vice president playing next to someone from environmental services,” says Cindye Delgado, supervisor, Guest Services at Hackensack University Medical Center, who coordinates the event. “We are raising funds for a great cause and having so much fun while doing it. We are happy to be able to give back to support our team.”

We thank Cindye, the Basketball Fever Committee and the March Madness teams for joining forces to make an impact in benefit of their teams. Did you know that you can fundraise for important network causes? Learn more about our DIY fundraising or contact Danielle Binn, manager, Annual Giving, at danielle.binn@hmhn.org.