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Buddies vs. Badges will be held April 15 at McCarthy Middle School gymnasium in Chelmsford

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (April 9, 2025) – Members of Parker Middle School’s Best Buddies program will be taking the court on Tuesday, April 15, for a very special fundraiser.

Their opponents for the charity basketball game, deemed Buddies vs. Badges, will be Chelmsford police officers and firefighters.

Kristiana Kurth, a speech language pathologist at Parker Middle School, is one of the two advisors for the Best Buddies program.

“We had been brainstorming ideas for fundraising,” she said. “When we told them one of the ideas was to have a basketball game, they were absolutely ecstatic.”

Best Buddies participants took field trips to the Chelmsford Police Station and the Chelmsford Fire Department earlier this year, which will make the event even more meaningful.

“It’s so heartwarming to see the kids out there having fun,” Kurth said following a recent practice session in preparation for Tuesday’s event. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to make this an annual event and that these relationships carry on through McCarthy [Middle School] and beyond.”

Alex Hansbury, a special education teacher at Parker, serves as the other advisor for Best Buddies.

“I love the teamwork and I love that they’re trying to make sure everyone gets the ball,” she said. “We’ve been taking it one step at a time and we don’t know what to expect, other than it’s going to be fun.”

Dan Sullivan, the school resource officer at Parker Middle School, approached Hansbury and Kurth about hosting the fundraiser.

“The idea of a charity basketball game to benefit Best Buddies sparked from a desire to combine a fun, community-driven event with a meaningful cause,” he said. “It’s not just about who wins on the scoreboard; it’s about building connections and celebrating everyone’s talents.”

While the primary goal is to raise money for the Best Buddies program, Sullivan said there’s more to it.

“Beyond the dollars, the game shines a spotlight on Best Buddies’ mission,” he explained. “By bringing together police officers, firefighters and Best Buddies participants, it’s a powerful way to promote inclusivity and show how sports can unite people.”

Kurth, Hansbury and Sullivan are really looking forward to Buddies vs. Badges being a successful fundraiser and are hoping for a large turnout from the community to cheer on the teams.

“If you can make it, I’d encourage you to grab a ticket and join in the fun,” Sullivan said. “If not, consider spreading the word or donating to Best Buddies. It’s going to be an awesome event for an even better cause!”

If you go

WHAT: Buddies vs. Badges Charity Basketball Game

WHERE: McCarthy Middle School Gym

WHEN: Tuesday, April 15, 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)

TICKETS: Available at the door – $10 for adults; $5 for staff and students

MORE INFO: There will be a concession stand and a 50/50 raffle.

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.