Playing for Change
Published: April 13, 2021
On Wednesday, February 17 Greenville College hosted "Hoops for Haiti" and raised $3238.75 for Haiti earthquake relief efforts through Free Methodist World Missions . This eventwas a catalyst event for GC's plan to partner long-term with the Free Methodist Church in Haiti.
"The day after the devastating earthquake jolted Haiti a group of campus leaders came together and we said, 'Our community has to respond. How?' and from that conversation the idea for a long-term partnership with phases began," saysAssistant Director of Public Relations at GC, Annie Zeller.Phase one included "Hoops for Haiti," an event designed to promote "playing for change" during the men's and women's basketball games at GC and allow the students, faculty and staff, and greater Greenville community to come together, not just for great sport competition, but for something much greater; for change in Haiti.
GC plans to host "Hoops for Haiti" annually and invite other teams within their conference and in the area to be involved. This year, GC competed against Blackburn College of Carlinville, ILand both the men's and women's Panthers and both Blackburn teams donated matching dollar amount gifts to the number of points they each scored. Individuals in the crowd made similar pledges throughout the game and there were "time-out change 4 change" challenges throughout both games that raised $425.20 in spare change alone!
The event was a great success and is just one piece of"phase one" for Greenville College. During this spring semester, GC students participating inthe COR 401 course are putting their education and experience together to tackle some of the long-term challenges Haiti is facing in the aftermath of the earthquake. During the course students are challenged to not only come up with a plan, but alsoact onthat plan to make a difference. GC will highlight those plans and students later this spring.
To find out more about"Hoops for Haiti," COR 401 or how you can get involved please contact media@greenville.edu .
