Bambinos Supports Annual Parkview 3-on-3 Tournament – Restaurant In Springfield Missouri

We think an important part of being proud owners of a restaurant in Springfield Missouri is honoring our roots. Two of our owners Andy and Chuck Faucett both graduated from Parkview High School and they still celebrate their Viking pride. That’s why we’re excited to be the title sponsor for Parkview’s annual three-on-three student and faculty basketball tournament. We checked in with Jeremy Wilson, a counselor at Parkview and the mastermind behind the tournament to get the details on this year’s event.

We Love Supporting This Event. How Did It All Begin?

Jeremy Wilson: I became a counselor at Parkview during the 2014–2015 school year. At the beginning of every year, we have a freshman orientation called Freshman Focus that serves to get kids acclimated into Parkview culture. It’s a great way to get the kids and parents invested, but the problem has always been financing it.

So, in early March of 2015, I suggested a three-on-three basketball tournament as a fundraiser. I organized a committee of kids to spearhead it and get the approval of our principal, Dr. Eric Ramsey. Now, we have 12 teams every year that are led by teachers. It’s a huge event for our students.

The Inaugural Event Was Organized Students. How Do You Keep Them Involved?

JW: When I started this event, I wanted kids involved—not just staff. Now, every team has a staff leader and student players, and it’s become a huge recruiting process. We also started running the tournament committee through Parkview’s Leadership School, which is a program that teaches students important leadership skills.

The kids go out and get their own sponsors. Each year the t-shirt worn by tournament participants is designed by a graphic design student. Our traveling trophy was created in our Industrial Technology Department. We really try to involve all different kinds of kids and their skill sets. Even this year’s promo video was made by a student.

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The Proceeds Go To Freshman Focus. Does It Support Any Other School Initiatives?

JW: The sign in front of the school on Campbell Avenue has been in need of repair for a while. The tournament helped fund a new sign, which is now fully funded. Now, the money will also go toward making sure every kid at Freshman Focus gets a t-shirt—which can be a big deal for some of our kids. It also goes to support Parkview Cares, our annual student volunteer day.

This year’s tournament takes place on Thursday, March 8 at 9:30 a.m. The event is open to the public, and tickets are available at the door. In the video above, you can meet this year’s teams and prepare to watch them battle it out for the coveted traveling trophy.