The ninth annual Kathy Bailey Memorial Basketball Game will take place on Friday night at the Lawrence Larocque Gymnasium at Norton High School.

The game will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. The contest will pit Norton teachers, called the Norton Lancers, against Norton public safety personnel, called the Norton Pride.

This benefit basketball game is played in memory of Kathy Bailey, a Norton mother of two young children who lost her battle with brain cancer.

The game was originated to provide the Bailey family with financial support during a very difficult time. Now an annual event, the game supports Norton families who are currently dealing with similar circumstances.

All proceeds from the game will go directly to Norton families that are coping with the loss of a family member or a terminally ill family member. All the funds raised during the game will help support these Norton families in need.

The game has helped over 60 Norton families during its first eight years.

Over the years, many people have been lost that have both helped and have been helped by the game, including Kathy Bailey, Kathy Voegtlin and Erin O’Handley Mobilia. This year’s game will be played in memory of David Minicucci.

“Beyond what the game has done for the families in town, it is the satisfaction that the volunteers get from being able to help those families in need,” said Michelle Petersen. “We all enjoy being able to help people better their lives.”

The Master of Ceremonies and D.J. on Friday night will be Steven Bishop. Former New England Patriots Jim Bowman and Jon Williams will serve as the celebrity referees. Tim Brown will sing the National Anthem prior to the game.

There will also be a raffle, silent auction and concession stand on Friday night.

As of Monday afternoon, there were still plenty of tickets available and will also be sold at the door on Friday night if the sell-out total of 750 has not been met by that time.

Tickets cost $8 per person and are available at all the schools in town or by contacting Michelle Peterson at 508-328-8164 or via e-mail at petefam4@comcast.net.