Great Article from Vermont!

Dozens Of Students Shoot Hoops Of Hope

Basketball Event Raises Money For African Orphans With HIV/AIDS

POSTED: 12:49 pm EDT April 2, 2011
UPDATED: 4:33 pm EDT April 2, 2011

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WILLISTON, Vt. -- Close to 60 middle and high school students from across the Champlain Valley shot thousands of free throws to support Hoops Of Hope, a non-profit organization that helps orphans in Africa dealing with HIV/AIDS.
Eighth grader Sammi Harvey wasn't just shooting to hone her skills, she was excited to give back to charity.
"It means a lot that I can do what I love to do -- play basketball and help out for this foundation," Harvey said.
The shooting session took place at the Allen Brook School in Williston and Milton Elementary School. Hoops Of Hope was started by a 10-year-old, Austin Gutwein from Arizona in 2004. Athletes raise donations from family members and neighbors and then play basketball to support the needs of children throughout Africa.
"Part of the motto is do something bigger than yourself," organizer Joel Desautels said. "And we can all give a little bit back."
From years past, the money has gone to building everything from a high school to medical labs in Africa.
"I've always wanted to go and do missionary work, but I know that I'm too young and I can't do that. So just this way i'm also doing that and being a part of it," Rice Memorial freshman Gemma Cirignanno said.
If you would like to support this cause, you can go to www.hoopsofhope.org or make a donation through pt360coop.com.
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