THE EVENT

Hoop-a-thon is a fun-filled free throw basketball event benefiting the Huntington's Disease Society of America. Participants shoot as many free throws as they can for five minutes. Sponsors, signed up in advance, pledge a specific amount of money for every basket the sponsored shooter sinks. Flat pledges are welcome, many shooters are there for the fun and prizes!

While this event started with a free-throw contest, it has now expanded to an entire afternoon of family fun, including special entertainment, carnival games, face painting, prizes, refreshments and a silent auction.

HISTORY

The Twin Cities Hoop-a-thon was founded 13 years ago by B.J. Viau and family of Apple Valley, Minnesota. Huntington's Disease has affected B.J.'s mother, Debbie, his grandfather and great-grandmother. BJ and his sister Emily, are also at risk. The event has grown from a small family and friends gathering, into an afternoon of 500+ people and over $40,000 raised annually.

The Viau's attended a Hoop-A-Thon in 1996 hosted by the HD MN chapter and after the event B.J. with his love for basketball asked his Bryan, his father if they could host their own event. The next year the Viau's put in about two weeks of planning and told family, friends and whoever would listen to come to the event. About 50 people were in attendence and almost $6,000 raised. The Viau's realized that if they could do this in two weeks of work then next year they would try to do a few more things and create an even more succesful event.

The second annual event was moved to Falcon Ridge Middle School in Apple Valley which had more space and opportunities for the event. Everyone who was at the first event was encouraged to come back and bring along with them a couple people to shoot hoops. The word spread throughout the community and the 2nd event raised $10,000 and had almost twice as many participants.

The Hoop-a-Thon has grown every year similiarly to the first two years. Many things have changed and been added including a more carnvial like event that now takes up the whole cafeteria along with the gym. Year after year new things are added to create more fun and raise more money than the year before until one day a cure is found!

The 2009 event was one of the most successful Hoop-A-Thon events ever. We had over 600 people attend, 200+ shooters, and $45,000 towards a cure for HD. We would like to thank all of the attendees, volunteers, and sponsors. Without all of you this event would not be possible.