For most contestants, competing in this year’s Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals meant a chance to win a permanent place in the Basketball Hall of Fame and a very large trophy. For finalist Mitchell Allard, the contest meant much more—a chance to help a friend with leukemia.
A Cause is Born
While competing at his State Hoop Shoot, nine- year-old Mitchell, sponsored by Rawlins, Wyo., Lodge No. 609, took notice when a fellow contestant, Zach, mentioned that he had to go to chemotherapy after the contest.
“I asked what chemo was and Zach told me it treats his leukemia,” says Mitchell. “I asked what leukemia was and he said cancer. Then, I asked if there was a cure and he said no.”
After winning at State, Mitchell felt compelled to do something to help Zach. Together, the Allard family brainstormed an extraordinary plan. Mitchell would seek pledges from the community to do what he does best—sink free throws! For every free throw made during a Hoop Shoot contest, Mitchell would earn money to help Zach’s family pay for his medical expenses.
A Penny Saved
Mitchell’s community rallied to support his cause. His school even hosted a penny-war to entice rival classes to compete against each other in raising funds. The penny-war resulted in a whopping $980.00 for Zach—that’s a lot of pennies!
Meanwhile, Mitchell collected outside pledges and prepared for his next Hoop Shoot Contest—Regionals.
“He practiced every day,” says Mitchell’s mom, Benita Allard. “We would leave for school early so he could use the gym.”
Mitchell’s dedication paid in more ways than one! He sank 23 of 25 free throws at his Regional Hoop Shoot, winning the contest and setting his community’s pledges into motion.
“I couldn’t believe how many people sent me pledges,” says Mitchell. “My principal, teachers, relatives, and people I don’t even know contributed.”
Zach's Angel
Mitchell sank another 20 free throws at the Hoop Shoot National Finals in Springfield, Mass. Since then, fulfilled pledges continue to show up in the Allard mailbox. Today, Mitchell has raised more than $8,500 for Zach and his family, who now refer to Mitchell as “Zach’s Angel”.
Through the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program, the Elks National Foundation teaches kids the value of hard work and good sportsmanship. In 2012-13, the ENF allocated $748,055 to fund this program. For more information on the Hoop Shoot, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.