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“Hoops of Hope” founder to address teens, spread inspiration
Feb. 24, 2011
Contact: Dan Morgan, Mayor’s Youth Council staff liaison,
(480) 312-0106, dmorgan@scottsdaleaz.gov
“Hoops of Hope” founder to address teens, spread inspiration
The United Nations estimates that each day more than 6,000 children join the 15 million worldwide who have already lost one or both parents to HIV or AIDS.
Austin Gutwein was inspired to do something about it. In 2004, at just 9 years old, he created “Hoops of Hope” to bring awareness and raise money to help support these children.
On March 9, Gutwein will share his story with teens to motivate them to make a difference. The free program will be from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library Auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
The Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council is sponsoring the program through its THRIVE series, a campaign created by teens for teens, to promote healthy and safe lifestyles.
In spring 2004, Gutwein watched a video about children who had lost their parents to AIDS. He realized they weren’t much different from him except they were suffering. On World AIDS Day that year he raised $3,000 to support these children by shooting 2,057 free throw baskets. That number represented the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his school day. Friends and family donated money for every basket Gutwein made, and he raised almost $3,000 -- money that helped provide food and shelter for eight orphans.
From that day, “Hoops of Hope” was born, and participants have raised more than $2 million. Children left behind by AIDS now have access to food, clothing, shelter, a new school and one under construction, four dormitories, and two medical testing facilities.
Austin believes anyone, no matter what the age or skill level, can make a difference.
For more information or to register for the program, call (480) 312-7922 or e-mail Dmorgan@ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
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