(lubavitch.com)  University of Illinois Men’s basketball team with coach Bruce Weber hosted the 4th Annual Alley Oop for Autism, a philanthropy project by the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity in partnership with the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in support of the The Stuart I Raskas Friendship Circle of Illinois.

Now in its fourth Year, Alley Oop brings together children with special needs from across the State of Illinois for a memorable day of fun and excitement.

After the successes of the past years, current Philanthropy chair Robbie Lowe ‘13 had the idea of hosting the event with the Fighting Illini. Head coach Bruce Weber immediately embraced the idea, and worked together with his staff to make it happen.

The children enjoyed an hour-long Basketball clinic with the national ranked team, and an exclusive tour of the locker room. Each child received a gift—a photo of the team, autographed by every player and the head coach.

The children had a kosher lunch at the ZBT house and were then joined in the stands by their families to watch the team play in the Orange and Blue Scrimmage.

“With all the challenges they have, these children work hard to put a smile on every day, as they get through the day,” said Rabbi Dovid Tiechtel, Executive director of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life at Illinois

“This is the little we can do—give them a memorable experience that would last a lifetime.”

Plans for the 5th annual in the Fall of 2011 are underway.

For more on ZBT Rho Chapter see: rhozbt.com

Chabad @ University of Illinois www.jewishillini.org

Friendship Circle of Illinos www.fcil.org