There is a certain kind of pride that only Wilmington understands.
It comes alive every August when families, community leaders, and supporters gather at Chase Fieldhouse to celebrate an organization that has spent nearly three decades investing in the lives of young people across New Castle County. That organization is Duffy’s Hope, Inc., founded by Duffy Samuels, whose unwavering commitment to youth has transformed thousands of lives and inspired an entire community.
This year marks two extraordinary milestones: 28 years of Duffy’s Hope and the 21st Annual Celebrity Basketball Game, a fundraising tradition that has become one of Delaware’s most anticipated community events.
On Saturday, August 1, 2026, supporters from across the region will gather at Chase Fieldhouse, also known as the 76ers Field House, in Wilmington for an evening that is about far more than basketball. It is a celebration of hope, mentorship, and the power of one person choosing to make a difference.
A Promise That Changed Lives
In 1998, Duffy Samuels saw a growing need in Wilmington. Families were struggling, too many young people lacked positive role models, and opportunities for guidance and support were limited.
Rather than stand by, Samuels committed himself to creating an organization dedicated to mentoring youth, strengthening families, and reconnecting fathers with their children. That vision became Duffy’s Hope, Inc.
Nearly three decades later, that promise remains just as strong.
What began by serving one young person has grown into an organization that has impacted more than 7,500 youth throughout Delaware and beyond. Through mentorship, education, leadership development, life skills training, family support services, and community outreach, Duffy’s Hope continues to create opportunities that change lives for generations.
For Samuels, the greatest measure of success isn’t found in statistics. It’s found in watching former participants graduate, build successful careers, raise families, and return to serve their own communities. That is a legacy numbers alone cannot capture.
A Wilmington Tradition
For 21 years, the Celebrity Basketball Game has united the community around a shared purpose: investing in the next generation.
What began as a fundraiser has evolved into one of Delaware’s signature community events, bringing together celebrities, professional athletes, entertainers, influencers, and local leaders for an unforgettable evening while raising critical funds to support Duffy’s Hope’s year-round programming.
Every ticket purchased helps ensure that young people continue to have access to programs that provide mentorship, educational support, leadership development, and resources that prepare them for successful futures.
This Year’s Celebrity Lineup
Fans can expect an exciting evening featuring appearances from:
Celebrities
Larenz Tate
Michael Rainey Jr.
Gianni Paolo
DJ Diamond Kuts
Jaron “Boots” Ennis
2Rare
Boneboul
Young Dylan
Derrick Milano
Local Players
Amillion
Fredo Skits
Jumping Joe Ballard (Harlem Globetrotter)
Mani (Harlem Globetrotter)
Lou Winston (Harlem Globetrotter)
Konfusion
J. Addo
Brye Tompkins
Justin Thompkins (Harlem Globetrotter)
Brian Faucett
Jasir Faucett
Taron
Randy Buckets
Tyrell Crowell
Coaches
Meeshach
Tae (@cuzintae)
The evening will be hosted by Blake Saunders, with social media personalities Nasir Leach, Cheris Monique, Pauly DiNer0, and Tay Koolie keeping the energy high throughout the event.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 Location: Chase Fieldhouse (76ers Field House), Wilmington, Delaware VIP Doors Open: 4:15 p.m. General Admission Doors Open: 5:00 p.m. Summer Basketball Middle School League All Star Game: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Game Begins: 6:30 p.m.
Tickets
General Admission: $35
VIP Admission: $120
Tickets are available now through Tixr. Based on previous years, attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early before the event sells out. Why This Night Matters Every ticket sold directly supports Duffy’s Hope’s year-round youth programming, including:
Mentorship
Educational enrichment
Leadership and life skills development
Family support services
Ambassador programming
Transitional housing for young women aging out of foster care
These initiatives provide young people with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they
need to build successful futures.
This event is more than celebrity appearances and basketball. It is an investment in Wilmington’s next generation.
Twenty-eight years ago, Duffy Samuels made a promise to his community. Today, Wilmington continues to stand beside him, celebrating a legacy built on compassion, commitment, and hope.
Learn More
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, visit duffyshopeinc.org, follow @duffyshope on Instagram, or call 302-652-3532.
Duffy’s Hope, Inc. is a Wilmington-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening families through mentorship, education, leadership development, and community engagement. For nearly three decades, the organization has provided life-changing opportunities that continue to shape the future of Delaware’s youth.
