HoopsFest 2010 was held at The Healing Place of Wake County on Saturday, October 23, 2010 and participants enjoyed great support from key sponsors including Golden Corral and WRAL, excellent basketball and a visit by 99.9 The Fan. The highlight of the day was an appearance by Coach Sidney Lowe and the entire Wolfpack Men’s Basketball team.
The event, Co-Chaired by Chris Corchiani, former North Carolina State University basketball star and Tom Bonfield, current member of the Healing Place Board of Directors was designed to raise funds and awareness of The Healing Place of Wake County, a non-profit recovery and rehabilitation facility for homeless men and women in our community.
“Our guys had a great time this past weekend,” said head coach Sidney Lowe. “It was good for them to go out there and meet all the people at the Healing Place, and it was good for them to get some interaction with everybody that is involved for that good cause.”
“I enjoyed our trip,” said junior C.J. Williams. “I think it is important for us to get out, and give back to the community in ways like this. Seeing Chris Corchiani out there leading this event showed all of us our responsibilities as basketball players.”
“It was such a successful event,” said Healing Place President and CEO Dennis Parnell, “that we are already excited about holding the event again next year. It was truly special to have such strong support from the community including our sponsors as well as Coach Lowe and the NC State Basketball team.”
Basketball teams from all over the triangle area participated in the 12 hour 3 on 3 basketball marathon that began before sunrise at 7 AM and went to sunset on Saturday at the Men’s Facility near the Raleigh Farmer’s Market at 1251 Goode Street.
Raffle winners were announced, including the winner of the 42 inch flat screen television. A complete list of raffle winners can be found on The Healing Place web site at www.hpowc.org
The winners of the HoopsFest Silent auction were announced on Monday October 25 as well. Some of the exciting items included an All-Star Jersey autographed by MVP candidate Josh Hamilton and box seats to an upcoming Carolina Hurricanes’ game.
The appearance of the Wolfpack Men’s Basketball team to sign autographs and chat with the clients, family members and staff was a highlight of the day. Especially since, there are high expectations for the Sidney Lowe coached team this year.
In the middle of all this excitement, planning for next year’s HoopsFest has already begun. The event will be held in the fall of 2011 and planning information can be found at www.hpowc.org. Anyone interested in being a part of this event, please contact Lisa Rousseau at (919) 838-9800.