The 2012 Community Basketball Shoot out is being called a unique fundraising opportunity.

Sponsored by the Carmel Rotary Club and the Carmel High School Interact Club, the event is planned for March 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carmel High School gymnasium.

Shoot-out organizer Al Lotrecchiano called the event this week a “unique opportunity to participate either as an individual or group to raise dollars for a favorite nonprofit or community cause.”

During the past three years more than $43,000 was raised for 60 different organizations ranging from the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Boy Scouts, Camp Wilbur Herrlich, Carmel Sports Association and Friends of Karen to Habitat for Humanity, Hudson Valley United Cerebral Palsy, Mahopac Public Library, Make-A-Wish Foundation and People against Domestic Violence.

Lotrecchiano told the Courier: “All it takes is 15 minutes. This is a wonderful opportunity and easy way to raise funds for the organization of your choice.”

Pledge forms and additional information are available by visiting the Carmel Rotary website at www.carmelrotary.org or by phoning Lotrecchiano at 225-4835.