While you decide who will win the tourney, for the 14th year I’m doing the HWCI NCAA First Four for Charity, where I will donate $2 per entry to a charity (and if we get more than 25 responses, I’ll chip in an additional $25), this year to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, whose mission is to eradicate lymphoma and serve those touched by this disease. It is a 99% 4-star charity.

My Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma a few months before my Dad passed away and is doing well after the treatment. She still wants to mow the lawn and still works part-time and at age 78, she’s been doing well mentally and physically. So I will chip in the first $78 in honor of her age. Plus, my company will match so every dollar will be doubled.

Last year, a record $1,554 was raised by us (that’s you!) to go to the American Lung Association. In 13 years, we have raised $4,691.20 for 13 different organizations.

This First Four for Charity is free and you just have to submit (you can comment on this post to enter, email, post to Facebook, tweet @HWCI_Pools) who the four First Four winners will be and by what point margin. The First Four games:

• Howard vs Wagner
• Virginia vs Colorado St
• Montana St vs Grambling
• Boise St vs Colorado

For example: Howard by 2 points, Virginia by 3 points, Grambling by 9 points, and Colorado by 4 points. Get your entry by 4 pm PDT Tuesday.  As a bonus, in the end, if we top our record of 194 entries this year, I’ll donate an additional $25.  Also, invite your friends and people can enter (since it’s free) this charity contest but not our main pool.

My picks: Howard by 3, Colorado St by 7, Grambling by 1, Colorado by 4.

Thank you!