— Photo by David Booth

Members of the East Somerville community teamed with local businesses to draw hundreds of young basketball players and spectators to the first annual basketball tournament Feb 28. Students from grades 6-8 represented their neighborhoods.

Event organizers and East Somerville residents Judi Walker and Maisy Sullivan said the event brought together the best the neighborhood has to offer.

“Everyone really came through,” Walker said. “The neighbors pitched in, the East Somerville businesses supported us, it was a great event. I am so proud to be from East Somerville right now.”

The event raised money for the East Somerville Community School’s year-end barbecue. A fireman’s boot was also passed around to raise money for the victims of the recent Boston fire tragedy. Jenna Walsh, daughter of event organizer Maisy Sullivan, followed her mother’s example and organized the initiative.

“I was so proud of her,” Maisy said. “She just said she wanted to do it and went right ahead.”

This is the first in what organizers hope will become an annual tradition. With the help of the community, Walker said there is no doubt the tradition will carry on.

Walker and Sullivan would like to thank Vinny’s restaurant for their generous donation of food, Teen Empowerment for youth volunteers Michael Curtis of the Uniun for donated t-shirts and the East Somerville school staff for volunteering and offering the space. They would also like to thank Ward 1 Alderman Matthew McLaughlin, Ward 1 School Committee member Stephen Roix, Somerville Ornamental Iron Works, Fasika Restaurant, East End Grill, and the many community volunteers and donors who made the event successful.

— Photos by David Booth