LaGRANGE – The Troup Alumni Association hopes to kick off this summer’s fundraising efforts with an event that is sure to leave the audience braying with laughter.

The Troup Alumni Association’s donkey basketball game will pit Troup County Tax Commissioner Shane Frailey against Troup High School Principal Chip Medders in a game of people and donkeys against the clock.

“It is good clean fun for the whole family, and that is what we all will enjoy,” said Association President Shane Frailey. “… The donkeys really put the show on, not the people.”

Faculty and students are expected to play on Medder’s team with their group of donkeys while community members from around the county will play on Frailey’s team alongside donkeys in the fundraising event.

“We are trying to raise money for scholarships,” said Ellis Cadenhead, former association president. “Every dollar we make goes right back into the schools, and we just give our time and our effort.”

The funds raised by the event will go to sponsor Troup Alumni Association projects like the $1,000 scholarship that the group hopes to announce its first recipient of in May. The alumni association has helped fund a variety of projects for the high school over the years including teacher appreciation days and law enforcement appreciation days, but one of their biggest successes to date has been to purchase the $45,000 LED sign for the high school completely out of fundraiser donations. The sign can be rented out for community announcements as well as the usual high school announcements.

Advance tickets can be purchased for $6 for students and $8 for adults. Tickets will be $10 at the door. Children 5 and under get in free. Raffle tickets will be available for $1 at the game to enter for a $100 prize.