Pella High School basketball alumni gathered to support the families of those helping their children battle cancer at a special event last night.

The first annual Pinky Swear Holiday Classic raised funds for the Pinky Swear Foundation, an organization providing assistance for non-medical expenses related to childhood cancer patients. According to Pella boys’ basketball coach Mark Core, they were able to raise just over $2600.

Brian Vande Lune was one of the alumni playing in the game, and tells KNIA/KRLS News it was a special evening to both meet with old friends and support a great cause.

“Obviously, our glory days of basketball are behind us, but if we can do something good kids and for families, especially this time of year, if we can use our talents, or what was talent to maybe bring a bit of joy not only to the people here, but more importantly to those families that are going through some rough times, that makes it all worth it,” Vande Lune says.

The Pinky Swear Foundation was started after a promise made by Becky and Steve Chepokas to their son Mitch, who died of terminal cancer, to support families with children battling cancer.

More than 300 attended the evening’s festivities, and the Pella HyVee provided a meal for a free-will offering.

Click here for a sports recap, and here for more details about the Pinky Swear Foundation.