The Mission View Elementary staff walked away as the 2014 FFA and FBLA Donkey Basketball champions and the March of Dimes walked away with over $2,100 from the 11th annual March of Dimes Donkey Basketball Tournament on March 17.

Mission View Elementary staff won 14-12 on against last year’s champion,  the Wenatchee Fire and Rescue.

The event raised $700 more than last year’s proceeds and exceeded the goal of $2,000.

All of the proceeds went towards the March of Dimes foundation, which funds research of prevention and treatment of birth defects and other serious health problems in babies and small children.

With this profit, this event has raised over $22,000 in the 11 years Donkey Basketball has been held.

FFA adviser Matt Asplund estimates around 400 people attended, up from last year’s attendance of around 300. Asplund believes social networking on the part of the students, as well as announcements on local radio stations Cherry Creek radio, Sunny FM, and KOHO FM, was a large factor in the increase of attendance this year.

Six teams competed in the tournament, including the Pioneer Middle School staff, Chelan County Fire, FBLA and FFA.

“It was one of the best final games we’ve had over the years,” Asplund said. “The games were also more evenly matched this year.”

Performances by the WHS Golden Apple Band and Wenatchee Irish Dance kicked off the evening.

Asplund says they hope to raise $2,500 for the March of Dimes through Donkey Basketball next year.