Students narrowly defeat first responders in Deerfield's 'Pack the Place' basketball game

DEERFIELD, Ill. - Students and first responders faced off in an exciting basketball game Wednesday night as part of an annual charity event.

The "Pack the Place" fundraiser was held at Shepard Middle School in Deerfield, where the Shepard Student Council has hosted the event for the past three years.

"I really love ‘Pack the Place.' All the money raised goes to a great cause and it's amazing that we get to keep on playing the fire department and police department," said student council member Maria Butera.

The Game:

The game, which pits eighth grade boys and girls against local police officers and firefighters, is less about competition and more about raising money for a good cause.

The first responder team ranges in age from their late 20s to 50-plus.

Deerfield police officer Lauren Maldonado described her team as "well experienced" and "wise." 

"Experienced, very well experienced. Not sure about in the basketball realm, but wise beyond their years – seen a lot, seen a lot," said Maldonado.  

The game is fun for all, but also a tad competitive.

"I got here an hour early to stretch and warm up and I’m hoping there's no issues for later on," said Deerfield firefighter Joe Porter.

The eighth graders had a lot on the line, winning the previous two games. They pulled it off again Wednesday night, beating police and fire 56-55.

Fundraising Impact:

Last year, the event raised $3,300, and organizers hope to surpass that total this time around.

Proceeds go to the 100 Club of Illinois, which provides financial and emotional support to injured first responders and the families of those who have died in the line of duty.

"He was pulled over with lights on and someone struck him on the side of the road because they didn't follow the law, which says to slow down and move over," said Halley Martin Lambert, whose husband, State Trooper Chris Lambert, was killed in the Tri State in 2019.

She said the 100 Club of Illinois was the first to help her and her family.

"I have children ages 5 and 7, and they call the 100 club 'Daddy's Club.' They have been there from day one, providing support in every possible way," said Lambert.

"Really a net to make sure that our families and our first responders know that we are here for them and that the community is here for them too," said 100 Club of Illinois CEO, Caitlyn Brennan.

Looking Ahead :

With a big crowd, organizers are optimistic about reaching their fundraising goal.

No matter who won the game, the real victory will be in the funds raised to help first responders and their families.