SPOKANE, Wash. – The annual Holiday Hoops basketball game will take place at the Spokane Arena, featuring a match-up between the men’s basketball teams of Washington State University (WSU) and Eastern Washington University (EWU). This event is not just about basketball, as proceeds will benefit Numerica Cares for Kids, funding programs that support families and uplift children in the community.
Joe Ader, CEO of Family Promise of Spokane, emphasized the importance of attending the game in person. “You could watch it on TV which a lot of people will do, but if you go there in person you really have a chance to give and provide for our community while also just getting entertained and having a good time,” said Ader.
Lisa Holland, a young mother who has experienced homelessness, shared her story of how Family Promise of Spokane helped her family when they needed it most. Holland and her partner moved to Spokane from Arizona when she was pregnant, seeking support after their living situation fell through. Family Promise provided them with a place to stay just in time for the birth of her son, Jayden.
“Honestly, I thought when we got into housing Family Promise was going to be done with me,” Holland said. “But in all actuality, I thought wrong because they still help.”
The community is encouraged to attend the game, as more ticket sales mean more support for local families. Tickets for the game start at about $14 and are still available. You can watch the game live on SWX or stream it on SWXLocalSports.com.
Last year, the event raised $5,000 for Numerica Cares for Kids community grants. This year’s proceeds will benefit organizations like Family Promise, Second Harvest, and Vanessa Behan, all of which address the needs of families and children in Spokane.
