During its 12-year history, the Amy Duggan Memorial Classic has developed into one of the more popular annual fundraising events in Jackson County. Participants, supporters and attendees like being part of it and enjoy knowing they are helping out a worthy cause.
Over the years, thousands of dollars have been raised to support the Hope Haven Special Olympics program and other school activities. However, the 2020 edition, conducted Sunday, Feb. 16, at Jackson’s Northview Elementary School, may have been the best one yet. For certain, it smashed the previous fundraising record.
Organizers Ancil and Wanda Cross of Cross and Sons Farm Equipment reported the event raised a record amount of $10,000 to support Hope Haven School’s Special Olympics program and other student activities. A live auction conducted at halftime by auctioneers Patrick Ball and Seth Michael raised more than $8,600 of that $10,000. The big-ticket item was a copy of Sports Illustrated magazine autographed by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow, which was sold for $3,100 to the husband/wife duo of Dr. Marla Haller and Jackson County Commissioner Paul Haller.
In addition to the fundraising element, the event also honors the memory of former Trotter, the late Amy Duggan. Before the game, Mrs. Cross honored current Trotter Ian Hagg with a plaque, which recognized his efforts 12 years ago to establish the event as a way to honor Amy. Former Trotter Mike Jarvis was also recognized for his initiating efforts with Haag, but he was not able to be present.
As always the event featured an exhibition basketball game between the Hope Haven Trotters and the Playground Legends. The Trotters won for the 12th straight time as they held off a late rally by the Legends to prevail by a score of 47-43.