Ronnie Shoemaker was the man of the hour after knocking down a half-court shot for $2,100 in just a single attempt. (Photo by Jarrett Van Meter)

Friday night marked Baker Youth Club’s first “March Madness” fundraiser since moving into its new facility on East Smith Street. The new venue allowed for a more basketball-focused feel as several competitions were held at the facilities numerous hoops.

The night was highlighted by a half-court shot made by BYC volunteer Ronnie Shoemaker. There had originally been a $100 donation offered to the BYC if Shoemaker could make his specialty shot in front of the whole crowd. Individuals present began to open up their wallets and add more and more to the pot until the number reached $2,100. Shoemaker backed up until he was at the half-court stripe and heaved up a beauty of a shot. The ball clanged off the back of the rim and straight up in the air, where it hung suspended above the hoop for what felt like an eternity, before softly dropping through the net. The crowd went wild and Shoemaker pumped both of his fists in the air as he was mobbed by a group of his friends.

Along with the basketball contests, items such as a trip to the late Dane Miller’s home in Marco Island, Fla., Indianapolis Colts tickets and a golf cart were auctioned off to those in attendance. Several area businesses also contributed food and decorations for the event. The money raised will go towards completing the renovation of the club’s new facility and funding future programs.

“We are very excited about the new facility. We had previously held this at Wagon Wheel and we wanted to bring people in here. This creates more of a basketball atmosphere for the ‘March Madness’ theme,” stated BYC Executive Director Tracy Furnivall. The Warsaw Community High School Octagon Club helped serve food to guests.