MARYSVILLE – William Fale was the first recipient of the Hoops for Hope Benefit Classic.

And he wants to see others benefit as well.

In 1988, the event began to raise money to help him.

“I needed a wheelchair to increase my independence while I attended school and managed the boys basketball team” from 1988-1994, said Fale, who has cerebral palsy.

The event, which this year is March 29, puts students up against the Marysville-Pilchuck faculty. Cost with an ASB card is $5, or $7 without one.

Money raised supports students with a physical and/or intellectual disability. The funds can purchase medical equipment and services not covered by insurance. The event has raised over $28,000 in donations and have been used to purchase walkers, wheelchairs, braces and medical procedures, Fale said.

“The Legacy of the classic has not only enriched my life but so many others” thanks to the Marysville School District, staff, students and the community, he added.

Fale said he got his start being an advocate for people with disabilities through this event. He now has a job as Western Washington coordiator for People First of Washington, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities.

The game will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Josh Roehl has taken over Leadership/ASB for Dick Caldwell and is running the event this year for the first time. Jim Strickland, a leader in the special education program, said funds raised last year haven’t been spent yet, but the recipient wound up getting a new electric wheelchair through her insurance. There has been talk this year about possibly donating the proceeds to a local organization that serves people with disabilities such as Special Olympics, Voices of the Village or People First.

But the program has decided instead on Devyn Ream, who also has cerebral palsy.

“He uses a donated electric scooter to get around, but it is old and has battery and other mechanical issues,” Strickland said.