Lodge Contest Kick-Off

Every worthwhile journey has to start somewhere. For hopeful 2014 Hoop Shoot National Finalists, the journey to Springfield, Massachusetts begins at the free-throw line of a Lodge contest. For youth in Chicago, that free-throw line was on the fourth-floor gym of Goethe Elementary School at Chicago Northshore, Ill., Lodge No. 1316’s Hoop Shoot competition.

In the mid-November chill, more than 50 youth ages 8 to 13 gathered to compete. The gym was packed and the air was electric as competitors in each age group sank shot after shot. Elks handed out trophies to the champions and treats to all contestants. Elroy even made an appearance, to the delight of the contestants waiting their turn to shoot and some younger siblings in the crowd.

Elks Scholar Lends a Hand

Lodge members weren’t the only volunteers present to make sure the day went smoothly. Extended members of the Elks family came to lend a hand, including 2012 Most Valuable Student Scholarship recipient Jacob Bouvier.

Jacob, a sophomore at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, participated as a scorer for the 8-9 year-old girls division and a rebounder for the 10-11 and 12-13 boys divisions. A Florida native sponsored by Pinellas Park, Fla., Lodge No. 2217, Jacob came to the Hoop Shoot a willing, enthusiastic helper hoping to gain volunteer experience in his new community.

“He did a great job interacting with the children,” says Elks Hoop Shoot volunteer Sandy Supancic. “It was fantastic to have a young person show up willing to help, and even better to have a younger volunteer around to chase the basketballs!”

Supancic followed up with Jacob (pictured right, in red) by sending him a thank-you card and a Lodge pin, as well as information on upcoming volunteer opportunities with the Lodge.

Slam Dunk Experience

At the end of the day, Chicago Northshore, Ill., Lodge No. 1316’s Hoop Shoot inspired local youth to practice patience and good sportsmanship, and an Elks scholar got to connect with a local Lodge and help his new community. Not a bad start on the road to Springfield.

Through the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program, the Elks National Foundation teaches kids the values of hard work and good sportsmanship. In 2013-14, the ENF allocated $692,750 to fund this program. For more information on the Hoop Shoot, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.