WHAT GIVES?

SMALL WAYS THAT YOU CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR NONPROFITS

HOOPS IN THE HIGHLANDS

This annual three-on-three basketball tournament draws young players from 150 schools around the region and raises significant funds for the PTAs at Lake Highlands Junior High, Northlake, Wallace and White Rock Elementary schools. Registration for the tournament closes March 23, but opportunities to participate still abound. Spectators enjoy not only basketball action, but also entertainment from the likes of DJ Kurt Osterbusch, Limited Edition, Espree pop choir, Centerstage, Wranglers dancers, Highlandettes and more. Dig into fare from Chick-fil-A, Primo’s Brothers Pizza, Mariano’s and One 90 Meats. Win raffle prizes, or enter the inaugural free-throw contest — it’s $5 to try, and the best shooters win prizes. For the wee ones, there’s a mini hoop-it-up park. Hoops in the Highlands raised a stunning $25,000 in its first tournament 14 years ago. Success has increased each subsequent year, but with growth comes complexity, organizers say. They are are struggling to find volunteers to fill leadership roles for 2018. “There’s major volunteer fatigue,” says Tara Hickman, the 2017 co-chairman alongside Merilee Biancardi. “We are working with a much smaller committee, and this event is a beast to put on. People are wondering: has this run its course? But that’s hard to believe, especially since we’ve had a record number of teams register to play.”

April 1 from 8 a.m.-6p.m. at Highland Oaks Church of Christ. Visit hoopsinthehighlands.net for a full schedule.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit?

Email your suggestion to launch@ advocatemag.com