Hobart vs. Chesterton Boys & Girls Basketball Come Together for “Hoops for a Cure “

Hobart vs. Chesterton Boys & Girls Basketball Come Together for “Hoops for a Cure “

What if no parent ever lost a child to cancer again? If no child ever lost a loved one to cancer? Hobart High School, in partnership with The American Cancer Society, hopes to make those sweet dreams a reality.

Every year, the Coaches vs. Cancer program raises money for the American Cancer Society, while honoring those who have died, and those who are fighting. Chesterton High School played Hobart and supported the event as well.

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“I’m thrilled that were able to host something like this. I’m very thankful to the parents, and especially Jackie Underdahl who helped organize it,” said Mike Black, Hobart Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. “Any amount we raise is a plus in the fight against cancer. We have a great crowd and win or lose the basketball games, it’s about helping others.”

The event broke down into a few different parts, including two varsity games. At 5 p.m., a silent auction, bake sale, and raffle tables opened. People could purchase t-shirts, wooden roses, or LUMINARIA. A 50/50 raffle was held as well. The Hobart dance team and cheerleaders provided entertainment.

The LUMINIARIA we’re used during the Relay for Life presentation. The gym lights were turned out, LUMINARIA representing birthdays in each month were presented, and a poem about the loss of loved ones was read. For each month in which someone in the audience lost a loved one, they were able to remember them and crack a glow stick, bringing light to a sad and dark situation.

A memorial slideshow at halftime showed the faces of loved ones who had won the fight, and helped us remember the love ones who lost. The slideshow was very personal to some people in the crowd.

“I lost my brother to cancer, and it’s important that we all work together to prevent it, said Chris Tomski, the Hobart girls basketball coach. “Every little bit helps. This is a great opportunity to help, and a great cause because it affects so many people. The responsibility to help falls on all of us.”

Tina Anderson, who leads the area Relay Leadership Team, is proud to bring this event to the Brickies.

“I love this event because it lets our kids take a stand against cancer. I’m excited to be here helping The American Cancer Society” she said.

Anderson worked alongside a team of enthusiastic parents and people from the community.

“This event serves to raise awareness for cancer, and helps raise money. It shows that Hobart wants to take a stand and help fight against cancer,” said Jackie Underdahl, a paraprofessional at Joan Martin Elementary School.

The goal of the event is to help as much as they can. However, 2,500 dollars is the exact amount will make Coaches Vs. Cancer officially recognizes the school with a large banner.

Brooke McDonald, a senior at Hobart High School and forward for the team, said: “We always look forward to playing during this event because It’s a good cause and it’s a good opportunity for the entire community to come out and be together.”

Fred Mitchell assistant coach for the Chesterton girls team said It’s always great for the girls,” he said. “They play in pink uniforms to show our support, and it’s an amazing event”

Special thanks were given to Peggy Buffington, Bob Glover, Hobart Basketball and Staff, Cathy Nelson, and HHS Drama Club, Epicenter, Greg Crouch, Ellneys Bakery, Paul Heuring Ford, All American Tire, Megan German, Sandy Homoky, Doug Hall, Denise Vitaline, The Joan Martin Elementary PTO, Changeable Clipons, HHS Football Boosters, Coopers Hawk, Family Video, Marco’s Pizza, Kim Garbison, Tabitha O’Conner, Hybrid Athletics, SkyZone, Dairy Queen, Tokyo Rose, Albanese Candy, Chicagoland Popcorn, Jay Weinburg, Remus Farms, The Underdahl Family, Mia Kozel, Kelly Smith, Sunkissed Tanning, Dalena Jiminez, Exotic Nails, Walgreens, Megan Duncan, Janet Huber, and Dalene Schultz.