Belgreen FCCLA hosted a three-man basketball tournament named “Hoopin’ 4 Hunger” to raise money to purchase grocery gift cards for some of their students that could use help during the summer.

“The idea started in the fall when my son, Jaxon Wood, suggested it as part of the school’s fall festival activities,” explained Mimi Wood, Belgreen Family and Consumer Sciences teacher. “It wasn’t possible at that time, but we said we would plan one in the spring.”

Woods said when her FCCLA officers brought the idea up again in March, they discussed what to do with funds raised from the tournament.

“We tossed around a few ideas, and we decided that the most beneficial thing we could do was to help out students in our own school,” she explained. “Groceries have gotten so expensive, and families have to provide a lot more meals for school-aged children when they are not at school.”

Wood said her FFCLA officers, Noelle Willingham, president; Katie Cooper, vice-president; Brilee Whitten, treasurer; and Emiliano Jimenez, secretary, worked through all the details of how to schedule and host the tournament.

Teams could be made up of any combination of students from seventh through twelfth grade, as well as faculty. Each team made up a name for their team. The top two teams received gift cards donated by Hibbett Sports and hats from Community Spirit Bank.

“We ended up with 16 teams that competed in a double-elimination tournament on May 12,” Wood continued. “The game was held during the day, and almost all of the students came to watch and cheer on their favorite teams.”

The Lefties Minus One, made up of Dakota Green, Coach Tucker and Alex Guidry, won. Second place went to Mud Creek, made up of Noelle Willingham, Coach Vincent and Emiliano Jimenez.

“The tournament was a great success,” Wood explained. “The students and faculty had a great time, and FCCLA was able to raise money to purchase $800 in gift cards. IGA Priceless Foods donated an additional $200 in gift cards to bring the total to $1,000.”

Wood said as the FCCCLA sponsor, she’s “very appreciative” of all the students and faculty that helped make the event a success.
 “I am proud we were able to help out some of the students and families from our school,” she added.”