'Hoops for Hope' basketball tournament fundraiser set for March 15-16

The Grayslake-based 12 Oaks Foundation will hold its fourth annual "Hoops for Hope" 3-on-3 basketball tournament Saturday and Sunday, March 15 and 16, at Grayslake North High School.

With more than 500 players expected, "Hoops for Hope" has become one of the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournaments in Illinois.

"Hoops for Hope" will have youth and adult divisions for grades 4-12, Under 35 and 35-plus. Entry fee is $35 for children and $40 for adults. For information or to sign up, visit www.12oaksfountation.org.

The event is in memory of Matt Hupp, a determined athlete who wore the No. 12 in every sport he played. In early 2009, at the age of 13, Matt was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma, an aggressive strain of cancer, which would take his life later that same year.

Following Matt's passing, Julie and Steve Hupp established the 12 Oaks Foundation as a tribute to their son and as a way to say thanks to a Grayslake community that supported them during Matt's illness.

The 12 Oaks mission: to provide financial assistance to cancer-stricken families so their children won't have to miss some of the best parts of childhood such as playing sports or taking part in theater and dance.

"When Matt was sick, we were fortunate to be part of such a great community and the means to keep both his brother and sister active in the things they love to do while he battled cancer," Steve Hupp said.

"Not everyone is so fortunate, and these outside activities are extremely important to the entire family when someone is going through a life-threatening illness."

The Hupp family also is asking friends and families of "Hoops for Hope" players to participate in a LifeSource blood drive at Grayslake North Saturday, March 15, during the tournament. To preregister, call (877) 543-3768 or visit www.lifesource.org/donate-blood/.