Stonebridge Manor has recently had the privilege of working with Hoops of Hope for their first annual fundraising event in Arizona to assist in its efforts in building a medical clinic in Zambia, hope centers in Swaziland and dorms for a school Hoops of Hope helped build. Hoops of Hope was founded in 2004 by then 9 year old Austin Gutwein. The first fundraising effort by Austin raised $3000. To date, Hoops has raised more than $1.8million to benefit orphaned children in Africa.
At Hoops’ recent event at Stonebridge Manor, I was humbled and inspired by the speech given by the now 15 year old Austin. Too frequently, we wonder if our efforts can make a positive impact. My hat is off to Austin for following his vision and creating an organization that has had a profound impact on the lives of many children in Africa.
The Hoops of Hope event was a huge success with ethnic music, silent and live auctions as well as updates to the contributors on the progress of building schools, medical clinics and dormitories. Congratulations Austin and all the Hoops of Hope volunteers! – Ann Clark