We know that there are always a lot of great events going on at Brandeis and we’ll be the first to admit that sometimes the sheer number of fundraisers, presentations, and performances can be overwhelming (especially with schoolwork piling up!) But there is one event in particular that we felt compelled to tell you more about: Hoops for Haiti. The fundraiser is a student/faculty basketball game on Monday, April 4th at 5pm. If there is one event you should go to in the coming weeks, this is it. Her Campus Brandeis sat down with Daniel Acheampong and Shirel Guez (pictured below on the left as members of last year’s team), two student players, to get the scoop.
HerCampus: What is Hoops for Haiti?
Daniel: Last year, Brandeis held the first ever Hoops For Haiti, a faculty/staff vs. student basketball game. The proceeds went to the Brandeis Haiti Initiative to assist with rebuilding Haiti after the earthquake. Like last year, proceeds will be donated to ETE Camp, a free summer day camp founded by Shaina Gilbert ’10, Partners in Health, andHope for Haiti.
HerCampus: Why do you think H4H has been so successful in the past?
Shirel: H4H definitely appeals to the student body. You have a collection of some of the Brandeis’ most notable campus leaders and the administration playing against these students. Its also a great, fun, and exciting event and its all for a good cause and definitely embodies our Brandeis “social justice” mission statement.
HerCampus: What’s the most rewarding thing about being involved in Hoops for Haiti?
Daniel: I think giving back is the true mission of social justice. Hoops for Haiti stands for this mission and it brings the best out of our community in an exciting way.
HerCampus: What is your favorite part of H4H?
Shirel: The hype is definitely my favorite part. Just a few days ago I bumped into PJ Dickson at the C Store and we were trash talking to one another in front of the entire C Store (it just gives me more incentive to win). Its a fun competitive atmosphere and it gives you an opportunity to interact with other student leaders and the administration on a personal level and for a good cause. With April 4 just a few days away the hype is definitely getting me pumped!
HerCampus: Is there a goal for money raised this year?
Shirel: As far as I know there is no specific goal but the more money we raise, the better!
HerCampus: How are you involved?
Daniel: I am reaching out to the Brandeis community to participate, and I will be playing in the game.
Shirel: Every team member plays an important role. We do a lot of advertising for the event and we sell tickets. Its our responsibility to make sure the energy and anticipation on campus for this event is high but we also owe a lot of gratitude to the organizers of this event. It’s a collaboration with student life, student activities, student union, and select students that aren’t on the Hoops for Haiti team.
HerCampus: How can other Brandeis students participate or give back?
Daniel: We need every student to be there to support the Student Team. We have to beat the Staff/Faculty Team!
HerCampus: What tricks do you have up your sleeve to beat the other team?
Shirel: Well, back in the day I was captain of my varsity basketball team in high school. Its a little known fact but I’m actually good at basketball and I have a pretty good 3 point shot but other than that I can’t divulge too much information about our team secrets!
HerCampus: What is one thing most people don’t know about H4H?
Shirel: I think the biggest thing people don’t know about H4H is how this one event truly impacts so many lives. With the money we raise and with the interpersonal relationships that are formed between students and the administration. H4H is probably one of my favorite events at Brandeis because it allows us to have fun for a good cause and I can’t even begin to tell you how honored I was when selected to play on the H4H team for a second time around this year.
Her Campus: Where do we sign up?
Daniel: You can buy wristband Tickets for $5 at Sherman 6PM – 7PM. You can also email hoopsforhaiti@brandeis.edu.
Make sure to get your ticket in advance! You don’t want to miss this!