Basketball Hall of Fame Donates $8,500 to Springfield Rotary Club’s Grant Program
SPRINGFIELD — The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has donated $8,500 to the Springfield Rotary Club to support local nonprofit organizations through the club’s Community Grants Program.
The funds were raised during the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Rotary Club of Springfield’s annual Service Above Self Luncheon and were presented at a recent Rotary meeting by Frank Colaccino and Chelsea LaCoille.
“This partnership reflects what’s possible when institutions like the Basketball Hall of Fame and Rotary come together to invest in our community,” said Samalid Hogan, vice president of the Springfield Rotary Club. “These funds directly support local nonprofits that are doing critical, on-the-ground work to uplift families, create opportunities, and strengthen Springfield. It’s a powerful example of service in action.”
The donation will help fund grants that will be awarded during the Rotary Club’s upcoming Paul Harris Luncheon & Community Awards, scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m. at the Student Prince & Fort Restaurant.
At the event, the Rotary Club of Springfield will also recognize Carla Alves as its 2026 Paul Harris Fellow, one of the Rotary’s highest honors, awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to service and community impact. Alves, vice president and business banking loan officer at Country Bank, as well as treasurer of the Springfield Rotary Club, is being honored for her dedication to supporting local businesses, strengthening community partnerships, and embodying the Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.”
Tickets for the luncheon cost $40 per person and include lunch. Tickets are available on the Rotary Club of Springfield’s website at www.springfieldmarotary.org.
