NJ Hoopfest Raises $107K for Student Scholarships

A blizzard wasn't enough to keep New Jersey basketball fans from showing up for kids who need a shot at a better education.

About 400 spectators pushed through a snowstorm on January 17 to attend the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children's 22nd annual Hoopfest at Roselle Catholic High School. Their dedication paid off in a big way, raising $107,000 for partial tuition scholarships.

The event featured three competitive games showcasing some of New Jersey's best high school basketball talent. Teams from Roselle Catholic, Oak Knoll School, Thrive Charter School, The Patrick School, and Great Barrington Academy competed on the court.

Many of the players themselves were scholarship recipients, showing what these opportunities can do. Between games, the fund recognized the highest-achieving students on each team with academic achievement awards.

New Jersey Hoopfest Raises $107K for Student Scholarships

One standout moment celebrated Tyrease Hunter of Roselle Catholic, who received both an academic award and a commemorative basketball for scoring his 1,000th point earlier in the month. The event proved that athletic excellence and academic success go hand in hand.

The Ripple Effect

Since launching in 2004, the Founders' Hoopfest has become one of the scholarship fund's most popular events. Over the years, future NBA stars like Karl-Anthony Towns, Kyle Anderson, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist have played in these games.

But the real stars are the kids who get to stay in school because of these scholarships. The fund supports children from families at or below the poverty level, regardless of their background or beliefs.

"This was one of the most exciting Hoopfests we've ever had," said Michelle Hartman, the fund's CEO. "But most importantly, it raised a significant amount of money, which helps our mission of providing children with the invaluable gift of a Catholic education."

Every ticket sold goes directly toward helping kids access quality education, proving that community support can change lives one scholarship at a time.