Contractors back basketball fundraiser

Lifeline WA is anticipating a funding boost next month when the State Basketball League holds its third annual All Star Games.

To date, the Swish SBL All Stars Games have raised more than $160,000 for suicide prevention services.

The Swish event was founded by a pair of expatriate Americans – Jack Cotton, who heads up the Australian operations of contractor Kiewit and his wife, Susie.

Mr Cotton said he started Swish – which derives its name from sound of a basketball going through the hoop – after he felt there was an opportunity for a basketball event on the WA fundraising calendar.

“The Kiewit staff wanted to do what we could to help Lifeline WA reach more people who are in need,” he said.

The event has gained the backing of local contractor Ertech Holdings and Southern Cross Electrical Engineering founder Frank Tomasi.

Mr Cotton said Kiewit staff had also put in a big effort, singling out Amanda Davies for praise.

Lifeline WA chief executive Lorna MacGregor said these types of events were vital to building community awareness and boosting funding to meet demand for its 13 11 14 crisis support telephone service.

Basketball WA competitions manager Adam Bowler said the Swish SBL All Stars Games offered an opportunity to showcase the league’s top players.

“It is a privilege to see the entire WA basketball community come together on this day and help raise funds for such an important cause,” he said.

This year’s Swish event will be on the WA Day public holiday on Monday June 6 at Bendat Basketball Centre in Floreat.

The Women’s All-Stars game will tip-off at 12 pm and the men’s game is at 2pm.