First responders from northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan will compete head-to-head on the basketball court to raise funds for combatting childhood hunger.
ERIE, Michigan — A community basketball event honoring first responders and raising money to fight childhood hunger will take place later this month in southeast Michigan.
Craig’s Affordable Tools is presenting the fourth annual “Heroes on the Hardwood” fundraiser on Sunday, March 22, from noon to 4 p.m. at Mason Senior High School in Erie.
The event benefits Bobbie’s Staff, a nonprofit that works to address food insecurity among children and families in the Mason Consolidated Schools district. Organizers say the fundraiser helps support programs that provide food to local families, including Blessings Boxes in the community, weekend meal bags for students and a food pantry for families in need.
First responders from around southeast Michigan and the Toledo area will compete in a mini basketball tournament during the event. Police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel will take to the court as the community shows appreciation for the work they do to keep residents safe.
Erie Township has also proclaimed March 22 as First Responders Appreciation Day in conjunction with the event.
In addition to the tournament, the afternoon will include raffle baskets, a 50/50 drawing, face painting and concessions organized by the Erie Mason Hoopsters. Winners of the “Homage to First Responders” creativity contest will also be announced.
Special guests scheduled to appear include Muddy from the Toledo Mud Hens, along with the Easter Bunny, local princess characters and the Mason Eagle mascot. Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough and Toledo Walleye announcer Bobb Vergiels are also expected to attend.
Organizers say money raised during the event will go toward purchasing food for families in need and continuing the nonprofit’s mission of “Zero Hungry Kids” in the community. Residents with questions about the event can contact organizers through Bobbie’s Staff.