Taking the Fight Against Hunger To The Courts

Hauppauge school district staff and students took the fight against hunger on Long Island and their own community to the courts, fighting it hoop by hoop. 

More than 200 residents attended the second annual Hoops for Hunger held at Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m to benefit Long Island ares and Hauppauge's Care and Share. The Interact club unfolded an event larger than ever, raising community awareness and spirit. 

Junior Humayra Kabir said Hoops for Hunger took a new direction in the second year, as it had started as an idea of the Student Council, who decided to discontinue it in 2011. Kabir picked up the reins and forged a new path with a vision.

"I liked how it, unlike other event that are held, goes directly to Long Island Cares and to benefit Long Islanders," Kabir said. 

She sought aid from assistant principal Joy Ferrara, who aided Kabir in organizing the event for its second year. 

"I told her, 'Lets try to bring it to the next level Let's bring in food and raffles," Ferrara said.

Attendees paid $3 a ticket to cheer on staff from each of the schools represented by four teams: Hauppauge High School, Hauppauge Middle School, Bretton Woods, and Forest Brook/Pines Elementary School. In addition this year, raffles were sold for donated gift baskets and gift certificates to raise additional funds. 

Gino's of Nesconset sold food in the lobby in agreement to donate a portion of the night's proceeds to the event. 

The total raised was not available Wednesday evening, but the overall take will be split between LI Cares and the school district's own beneficiary program, Hauppauge's Care & Share. Each building within the district has it's own Care & Share fund to help student's families who are financially struggling with everything from heating oil to paying testing fees if needed. 

"It's a good cause and good time to have the kids watch us play for charity," said Jen Garone, a physical education teacher at Forest Brook. 

The Forest Brook/Pines Elementary school team was eliminated from the competition for bragging rights after losing to Bretton Woods in the semi-finals, 19-13. 

"It's a good cause, so why not help out. Might as well help hungry people get fed," said special education teacher Glen Roesch of Bretton Woods during a breather. 

In the end, Bretton Woods team took home the bragging rights after beating the Hauppauge Middle School staff in the finals 13-10. Victory was certain after team captain Jamie Edson, the district's girls basketball coach, scored on a layup with 50 seconds remaining. 

In the end, it wasn't the score that mattered to the students or the staff. 

"I hope what comes out of the event is building more community awareness of those families in need on Long Island," Ferrara said. "It's not just for parents, but for the students to realize they can give." 

See more photos from Patch's photographer at the event in our