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YSU continues to support Game of Hope
YOUNGSTOWN
He was fresh out of college, in his low-20s and searching for his purpose in life.
Anthony Spano felt just like most other young adults.
“It wasn’t so much emptiness,” he said, “but I was missing something.”
Some people in his position travel the country to get their mind off the real world, others may take over their parents’ basement, sleep until noon and not do laundry for a month.
Spano started a charity.
“The Game of Hope Charity Classic” took place in 2005, not long after Spano’s graduation from Youngstown State. In 2007, he founded The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. Both the basketball game and the organization operate together to provide grants and services to terminally-ill children. They work hand-in-hand with other local charities who share the same goals and mission.
“We also have a great support base,” Spano said. “So many people lend a hand in what we want to accomplish and it’s 100 percent volunteer-based.
“We wouldn’t be where we are right now if people didn’t support the cause or believe in the mission.”
The Hope Foundation works all year to drum up funds, support and awareness for chronically and terminally-ill children.
On Saturday, everything comes together.
The Game of Hope continues at the Beeghly Center with opening tip at 4:30 p.m.
“Youngstown State has been a huge supporter since the very beginning,” Spano said. “YSU athletics are always on board with everything and are always a great host.”
In honor, The Hope Foundation is enshrining former Penguin men’s basketball coach Dom Rosselli and former women’s coach Ed DiGregorio into its charter Hall of Fame class.
Spano first got his inspiration for the cause when he was a YSU student in the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. Its National Philanthropy is Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang. With camps across the nation and in 50 countries, a Hole in the Wall experience gives kids with serious medical ailments the chance to have life-changing fun and the resources to forget about the struggles of their medical troubles.
Spano never got the chance to attend a camp as a staff member, but with one just opening up in Columbus, he highly anticipates his first visit.
WYTV News anchor Stan Boney leads “Team Boney” and will be assisted by YSU president Dr. Cynthia Anderson. Frank Frattaroli of Belleria Pizza is the honorary team owner. Frank Lellio Jr., Joe Schiavoni, John Gocala Jr., Ken Johnson, Mary DeGenaro, Nick Graham, Pete Esparra, Ray Housteau, Stacie Cepin, Timmy Bowser and Tom Seifert are the players.
Jim Davis, Austintown Township Trustee and Hope Foundation Board Member is coaching “Team Davis,” along with president of Eastern Gateway Community College — Dr. Laura Meeks. Rey Esparra of GBS Computers is the honorary team owner. Players are: Amy Nilsson, Andrew Scarmack, Bob Wolleben, Chris Jasiewicz, Deana Shade-Housteau, Dorothy Bowers-Collins, George Dimos, Jeff Ryznar, Matt Morrone and Shawn Jordan.