The third annual Hoops for Troops is already gearing up to be a fun event at the Lady Wolves basketball game, Feb. 18.
All proceeds from this year’s event go to Michigan Bikers Helping Veterans, a nonprofit charity which helps Michigan veterans and active duty military personnel in critical need.
‘We try to help a different organization each year,? Clarkston High School senior Kelsey Hunt explained. ‘We choose an organization all the proceeds go to.?
MBHV has helped veterans through numerous ways including utility shutoffs, home foreclosure, home repairs, and sudden medical expenses.
Hunt is excited to help out for her third and final Hoops for Troops as a student and a basketball player.
‘I feel like I have been able to help the Clarkston Girls Basketball Program as a team and get more supporters out each year,? she said. ‘Each year we have gotten more people to come out and watch our game, which is a big deal because we don’t have a lot of people come out to our games. If we get a win out of the game it’s more fun.?
She also enjoys helping out because of Jenna Beno, who the annual event is held in honor.
Beno was a 2006 Clarkston High School graduate who passed away October 2012 from injuries she sustained while serving in Iraq.
Beno was friends with the event organizer, Megan Goldberg, who is an assistant coach for the girls junior varsity team.
‘I know Jenna meant a lot to Megan and I got close to Megan over the years,? Hunt added. ‘I want to help anyway I can.?
She said she also likes helping out organizations, a different organization every year.
‘I feel like if we are helping the same one I don’t think we would accomplish as much as we have,? Hunt added. ‘Each organization helps troops and veterans in different ways, either it be financially, helping them get their kids to camps during the summer, helping with medical expenses or just getting them home to family.?
Hoops for Troops will have a raffle which include a hockey puck signed by the Detroit Red Wings, tickets to different sporting events and concerts and more.
‘We have different stuff every year,? Hunt said. ‘We try to get local businesses to donate and support us.?
Donations for raffle prizes and sponsorships are still being accepted.
T-shirts will also be available in limited supply during the event. They are available online from Custom Threads at www.CustomThreadsandSports.com with four options available, including a long-sleeved T-shirt.
Hunt and the Lady Wolves encourage the community to come out for the event and donate for the troops and veterans.
‘They are keeping our country safe and they do a lot for us,? Hunt added.
Hoops for Troops is Feb. 18 when the Lady Wolves host Stoney Creek. JV begins at 5:30 p.m. and varsity follows at 7 p.m. They will honor veterans before the game.
‘It should be a very good, competitive game,? Hunt smiled.
Keep updated on Hoops for Troops by following @CHSHoopsTroops on Twitter. For more information or to donate, please contact Goldberg at HoopsfortheTroops@gmail.com.