Benjamin students raise more $100,000 to support youth sports in Kenya, South Florida

Benjamin Upper School students raised more than $100,000 at their flagship event, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, to improve infrastructure and sports courts for youths in Kenya and South Florida.The event, run by kids for kids, was in partnership with Kijana Global Innovation School and Kids Around the World in Kenya, and Place of Hope in South Florida.The basketball tournament, with age divisions ranging from under 8 to high school, drew 28 teams and around 200 kids and adults. The event also included raffles, food and drinks, and a half-court competition with proceeds dedicated to the development projects around the world.PureHealth World was founded by Xander Klein, a junior at the Benjamin School. “The community’s support is a testament to our shared belief in a world where every child has the chance to play, grow and succeed,” Klein said in a news release.Klein hopes the event will inspire other students to address global challenges.“Every gift and each of my peers’ involvement powers our infrastructure projects, which strengthen communities and fuel children with the chance to thrive,” he said.Klein’s schoolmate, junior Jack Hansen, visited the Kijana School in Kenya and witnessed the firsthand challenges that the students face.“After visiting the school myself, I developed a deep appreciation for the students, especially through spending time playing sports with them,” Hansen said. “Many students improvise by making balls out of rolled-up T-shirts wrapped in yarn.”As a member of PureHealth World, I’m excited about the possibility of helping Kijana finish their media center that is under construction and to build sports courts and playgrounds in Kenya.”In addition to supporting youth in Africa, the funds raised are also being used to renovate a basketball court for Place of Hope in its Stuart location.This community partnership is being chaired by Chase Atkins, a Benjamin junior.“My family has been long-standing supporters of Place of Hope and the transforming work they are doing in our community to keep siblings together and restore futures for children,” Atkins said. “I’m thrilled to continue this support through a partnership with PureHealth World.”PureHealth World plans to continue expanding its efforts through future events as a catalyst for lasting change and hope.Other Benjamin students on the Hoops for Hope committee include: Cecilia Hansen, Caiden Muzzillo, Ethan Lawrence, Sierra McKinney, Sofia Tisi, Lucas Muzzilo, Ty Cohen, Griffin Alterman, Braxton Peterson, Chase Lawrence, Tristan Cameron, Anthony Zito, Caroline Smith, Cohen Roach, Audrey Klein and Grace Atkins.There were numerous community sponsors and supporters.You can make donations at PureHealth World’s website.Around 1,300 girls and boys are enrolled on the two campuses of The Benjamin School, which was founded in 1960 as a private school.The Upper School serves students in grades 9 through 12 on a 50-acre campus in Palm Beach Gardens. The Lower School includes students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade at its campus in North Palm Beach.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. —

Benjamin Upper School students raised more than $100,000 at their flagship event, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, to improve infrastructure and sports courts for youths in Kenya and South Florida.

The event, run by kids for kids, was in partnership with Kijana Global Innovation School and Kids Around the World in Kenya, and Place of Hope in South Florida.

The basketball tournament, with age divisions ranging from under 8 to high school, drew 28 teams and around 200 kids and adults. The event also included raffles, food and drinks, and a half-court competition with proceeds dedicated to the development projects around the world.

PureHealth World was founded by Xander Klein, a junior at the Benjamin School.

“The community’s support is a testament to our shared belief in a world where every child has the chance to play, grow and succeed,” Klein said in a news release.

Klein hopes the event will inspire other students to address global challenges.

“Every gift and each of my peers’ involvement powers our infrastructure projects, which strengthen communities and fuel children with the chance to thrive,” he said.

Klein’s schoolmate, junior Jack Hansen, visited the Kijana School in Kenya and witnessed the firsthand challenges that the students face.

“After visiting the school myself, I developed a deep appreciation for the students, especially through spending time playing sports with them,” Hansen said. “Many students improvise by making balls out of rolled-up T-shirts wrapped in yarn.

“As a member of PureHealth World, I’m excited about the possibility of helping Kijana finish their media center that is under construction and to build sports courts and playgrounds in Kenya.”

In addition to supporting youth in Africa, the funds raised are also being used to renovate a basketball court for Place of Hope in its Stuart location.

This community partnership is being chaired by Chase Atkins, a Benjamin junior.

“My family has been long-standing supporters of Place of Hope and the transforming work they are doing in our community to keep siblings together and restore futures for children,” Atkins said. “I’m thrilled to continue this support through a partnership with PureHealth World.”

PureHealth World plans to continue expanding its efforts through future events as a catalyst for lasting change and hope.

Other Benjamin students on the Hoops for Hope committee include: Cecilia Hansen, Caiden Muzzillo, Ethan Lawrence, Sierra McKinney, Sofia Tisi, Lucas Muzzilo, Ty Cohen, Griffin Alterman, Braxton Peterson, Chase Lawrence, Tristan Cameron, Anthony Zito, Caroline Smith, Cohen Roach, Audrey Klein and Grace Atkins.

There were numerous community sponsors and supporters.

You can make donations at PureHealth World’s website.

Around 1,300 girls and boys are enrolled on the two campuses of The Benjamin School, which was founded in 1960 as a private school.

The Upper School serves students in grades 9 through 12 on a 50-acre campus in Palm Beach Gardens. The Lower School includes students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade at its campus in North Palm Beach.