Rainbow Classic gives back to community

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (WHEC) — The annual Rainbow Classic between Pittsford-Mendon and Pittsford-Sutherland was back again for the 21st year.

Mendon won the game, 69 to 57, but that’s far from the most important part of the event.

The Rainbow Classic is all about giving back to the community – fans donate with money raised going to the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Since 2001, over $500,000 has been raised.

“It’s a great event where everyone comes together and everyone’s having fun. No hate in this game. Just a lot of love,” said Jackson Greene, a Mendon player.

For John Nally, the coach of Sutherland, the Rainbow Classic is extra special.

“Some of the kids that we do this for like Ryan McCluski is a kid that I knew personally so it means a lot because of that,” Nally said.

McCluski is one of the main reasons for the event. The game is in his memory and the event raises money to help kids, like he was, in the hospital now.

It doesn’t lose its luster, and next time around, it’s looking to be back at the University of Rochester.