Two local charities will look to score big in an upcoming all-star basketball game.

The 3rd annual All-Star Charity Shootout featuring all-star men's basketball players from the college and university ranks, will be competing to help raise funds for the Kids Help Phone and the London Children Museum in a charity basketball game at Fanshawe College on Saturday, June 9.

The events founder and manager, Fitzallen Sutton said that this unique event has improved since its inaugural game in 2005.

“All-Star Charity Shootout is a unique event that stands on its own,” Sutton said.

“The concept of the event really demonstrates our commitment to Canadian basketball, charitable organizations and the community at large. Every year this game gets better and better and it's truly an event we look forward to organizing.”

Sutton said an assortment of college and university all-stars from across the country will be participating in the contest which was played at Humber College in 2005 and 2006.

“We have players from Brandon, Cape Breton, PEI (Prince Edward Island), and people from all across Ontario confirmed,” Sutton noted.

Each team of all-stars will represent either the Kids Help Phone or the London Children's Museum, with the winning squad receiving 60 per cent of the events proceeds and 40 per cent going to the loser.

“We are hoping to get a good crowd cheering for both the Kids Help Phone and the London Children Museum as well,” Sutton said.

Representing the 2007 Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Champion Fanshawe Falcons in the contest will be the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association Men's Basketball Player of the Year Pat Sewell, OCAA Rookie of the Year Jabari Cooper, and OCAA Coach of the Year Glen Johnston, who will be leading one of the two squads.

University of Western Ontario Head Coach Paul Mayne is expected to coach the other team during the event, although according to Sutton, it has not yet been confirmed.

Kids Help Phone is a 24/7 advice and counseling service meant for kids who are dealing with various problems including every-day ‘growing-up' issues, to more serious problems such as drugs, abuse and suicidal feelings.

Phil Winch, Coordinator of fund development for the Kids Help Phone Western region, said the event will be important for their organization to raise funds and help in achieving their goal of ‘being there for kids'.

“Being part of a national basketball event featuring some of the country's top young players will be important for Kids Help Phone in raising awareness among our youth about the availability of our service,” Winch said in a press release.

The London Children's Museum provides hands-on, interactive learning experiences for children, from infancy to 12 years of age, who wish to explore and discover science, the arts and Canadian heritage.

Patrice Katsiroumbas, special events coordinator for the Children's Museum, said the event will be great for ensuring that the Children's Museum can provide quality learning experiences for all children regardless financial circumstance, developmental level or learning style.

“Through this fundraising event, we will be able to continue ensuring all children and families have the chance to play and learn together,” Katsiroumbas said in a press release.

Tickets for the game cost $12 for adults, $8 for students (must present valid identification), and $5 for kids (under 12). Tickets are available online at www.ticketweb.ca, by phone at 1-888-222-6608, or by visiting the Biz Booth at the College or the London Children's Museum located at 21 Wharncliffe Road South.

More information can be found online at www.allstarcharityshootout.com or by emailing info@allstarcharityshootout.com.