Guardian ad Litem Foundation opens 2023 March Madness Bracket Challenge
The Floridant/10223649

NAPLES, Fla. - Floridant -- College basketball fans and bracketologists are invited to enter the 2023 March Madness Bracket Challenge, a professionally run NCAA Tournament pool that raises money for programs benefiting local children in foster care.

The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, is hosting its 6th annual March Madness Bracket Challenge to help raise money for its Children's Needs Program, which provides funding for "extras" like birthday parties, tutoring, summer camp programs, movie tickets and registration fees for clubs and sports. Funds also support Beds for Kids, a program that provides bed frames, mattresses, pillows, linens and stuffed animals so caregivers can provide a safe, comfortable home for children. The Foundation supports court-appointed volunteer child advocates who represent children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned as they navigate the judicial, education and child welfare systems. The foundation represents children in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties.

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The cost to participate in the March Madness Bracket Challenge is a $30 minimum donation per bracket, or $100 for four brackets.

After registering online, participants will receive a complete list of rules and instructions for completing their picks online through Run Your Pool, a verified online platform that awards points for correct picks in each round of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. Brackets go live on Selection Sunday, which is Sunday, March 12, and all picks must be entered by noon on Thursday, March 16.

Prizes have been expanded to include six winners, which will receive Amazon gift cards: first place ($800), second place ($600), third place ($400), fourth place ($300), fifth place ($200) and sixth place ($100). Winners will be announced after the championship game on Monday, April 3.

"The March Madness Bracket Challenge has grown beyond just a tournament pool for supporters of the Guardian ad Litem Foundation," said Jessica Stanfield, executive director of the Guardian ad Litem

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Foundation. "Over the past five years, it has become a pool for the entire community while continuing to raise money for vulnerable children and teens across our region."

Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is sponsoring this year's March Madness Bracket Challenge.

For more information or to register for the 2023 March Madness Bracket Challenge, please visit GALFmarchmadness.com.

About the Guardian ad Litem Foundation

The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, was established in 1984 and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports Guardian ad Litem programs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. For additional information, visit VoicesForKids.org or call 239-533-1435.