by Youth Programs Associate Billy Donnelly

I thought that with all of this Hoop Shoot exposure, I was an expert. I thought I knew everything there was to know. But guess what—I was wrong. The only way to truly know what a Hoop Shoot is like, is to attend a contest.
I got my first taste of a real Hoop Shoot on a recent Saturday morning. My Lodge, Chicago Northshore, Ill., Lodge No. 1316, holds its Hoop Shoot contest in Chicago and I was able to attend. Saturday mornings aren’t exactly my thing. In fact, I was almost late to my very first Hoop Shoot. I dragged my feet up to the gymnasium door with groggy eyes, coffee in hand, but as soon as I opened the door—BAM! The electricity in the room made me more alert than the strongest cup of coffee ever could.
The gym was brightly lit and full of energy. A complete contrast to the grey, snowy streets of Chicago that Saturday morning. Parents sat around and chatted, children were playing on the court with large smiles. I found myself surrounded by familiar faces. Elks National Foundation coworkers, Headquarters staff and Elks I knew from the Lodge were in attendance. Talking with families, passing out doughnuts and assigning volunteer positions—there was much to be done.
I was proud of the winners. They did a great job and they deserved it. I was also incredibly proud of all of the volunteers that were there. None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for them. They were truly making a difference for the children in this community.
My first two Hoop Shoot contests were incredible. I learned a lot—both on and off the court—and I can’t wait to attend the Illinois North District Hoop Shoot this winter!
Through the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program, the Elks National Foundation offers youth the opportunity to engage in healthy competition, connect with their families and community, and succeed both on and off the court. In 2015-16, the ENF allocated $924,070 to fund this program, which includes the exciting addition of a Hoop Shoot app for contestants. For videos, news from the court, and more information about the Hoop Shoot, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.
Billy Donnelly
Youth Programs Associate
Nice post Billy!
ReplyDeleteWelcome aboard Billy! Look forward to seeing you in Chicago along with the rest of the ENF team!
ReplyDeleteLynn Rutherford-Snow, VIRGINIA State Hoop Shoot Director