‘Blackout’ Game Brings in $23,000 for O’Laughlin Scholarship

The fourth annual Lyons Township “Blackout” home boys’ basketball game versus rivals Hinsdale Central on Feb. 17 brought in a total of $31,000, which after promotional expenses will cut a $23,000 check to the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Attendance at the game was estimated at 3500, including 700-1000 Lyons Township students. The basketball team plans to present the funds to the O’Laughlin family at the conclusion of the season.

“You hope that you’re able to bring in a big crowd and it didn’t disappoint,” said LT freshman team coach Jason Brauer. “The turnout was outstanding. Any time you can put that many people in a gym for a game, the atmosphere is going to be loud.”

O’Laughlin was 14 and a Lyons Township freshman when she was  in her Indian Head Park home on Oct. 27, 2011, apparently after interrupting a home burglary. Parolee John L. Wilson is  in the slaying, which police have described as exceptionally cruel and monstrous.

The team has working on setting up the event as a massive fundraiser, including getting many local businesses on board, efforts Brauer has repeatedly praised. The total amount to be donated well exceeded the team’s initial goal of $15,000.

“It far surpassed anything that either Coach [Tom] Sloane or I had dreamed of when we talked about this at the beginning of the year,” said Brauer.

The only downsides were that none of the three fans’ halftime shots to win a car came anywhere close—and Lyons Township dropped the game, 58-47, their first loss in four Blackout home games.

“We’ll be back at it again next year for Round 5,” Brauer promised.