An Army of support

A year before Town of Hempstead basketball icon Don Ryan was going to celebrate the golden anniversary of his acclaimed Salvation Army Biddy Basketball program, he lost his funding due to the tough economy.

In an attempt to restore the youth program at which Ryan, a retired Hempstead High School business teacher has coached for 49 years, a fundraiser in his honor will be held on June 4, beginning at 7 p.m. at La Marmite Restaurant in Williston Park. There is a cocktail hour followed by dinner and dancing from 8-12. Jackets are required.

Among the notable Salvation Army alumni who are expected to attend are: NBA legend Julius Erving, who asked that a Salvation Army flag be flown behind him when he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame; Rob Moore, the outstanding former Syracuse and NFL wide receiver; Steve Mills, the former president and CEO of Madison Square Garden, and current college basketball players Terrell Holloway (Xavier) and Malik Stith (a transfer to St. John’s).

Checks for tickets or donations should be made payable to “HEMPSTEAD DON’S, INC.” And sent to:
HEMPSTEAD DON’S, INC.
c/o Donald H. Hazelton, P.C.
245 Hillside Avenue
Williston Park, NY 11596

Please call Don Hazelton 516-742-7200 if you have any questions.