Community Corner

Hoops for Hope 3v3 Basketball Tourney

Cheer on those shooting hoops and help raise money for The !2 Oaks Foundation.

Have you got game?

The participants in the HOOPS FOR HOPE 3v3 Basketball Tournament think they do and will be showing their talents on the basketball court and helping others at the same time.

HOOPS FOR HOPE is sponsored by The 12 Oaks Foundation. Kids from fifth-grade to adults will participate in the tournament this weekend, March 19 and 20. The action begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Grayslake North High School. Elimination rounds will be played Sunday at Grayslake Central High School.

Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The event is being held in order to raise awareness of the Hupp family’s 12 Oaks Foundation as well as raise money to fund its mission.

The 12 Oaks Foundation was begun by Steve and Julie Hupp in memory of their son, Matt, who lost his fight with cancer at age 13.

Find out what's happening in Grayslakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Matt loved basketball," said Steve Hupp. "Besides snowboarding, track and baseball, he loved basketball. He loved to compete. What better way to do that than have kids play basketball against each other?"

Hupp said the HOOPS FOR HOPE Tournament is a fund-raiser, but also just a great way to bring people together and play some ball.

"Just as the community helped us, we want to give back to people in the community," said Hupp.

The foundation’s goal is to provide a resource to help defray the cost of sports and community programs for children in families suffering financial hardship from the effects of long-term medical illnesses, particularly on-going cancer treatment.

For more information about the foundation and events, visit www.12oaksfoundation.org.

 

Steve and Julie Hupp released this letter to recap their first event, Matt's Mile and 5K:

Dear 12 Oaks Friends,

The year of 2010 flew by and as we start off 2011, we wanted to provide a quick update on our activities. When we started this foundation, we had a vision for filling a need that we believed was there. As we have talked with more people in the community and begun our outreach to hospitals and local organizations, we believe we can make a huge difference in the lives of families struggling with the effects of cancer.

In 2010, we started the foundation with our inaugural event and over 700 participants and runners attending Matt’s Mile & 5K Race on a beautiful October evening, raising over $35,000. We also obtained our 501c3 tax exempt status from the IRS, allowing for a tax deduction to those who gave so generously.

In December, 2010 we received an incredibly generous matching gift of $70,000, effectively tripling the proceeds from our fall race. Thanks to the kindness of our community, friends and family, 12 Oaks has become a reality.

This year, 2011, promises to be a great year as we initiate our Hoops for Hope 3v3 basketball tournament. As we begin establishing our grant process and working with those in need in the communities, we want to thank all who have helped us launch this foundation. What started as an idea has blossomed into something we know Matt would have been proud to be a part of. His courage and competitive spirit, along with so many wonderful friends and family has helped sustain us.

Thanks again to all who have participated or given so generously. We appreciate you helping to launch 12 Oaks.
Sincerely,
Julie and Steve Hupp


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here