Free-Throw Marathon to Raise Money for HIV/AIDS

In 2004, a 10-year-old Arizona boy named Austin Gutwein wanted to do something special to bring awareness and raise funds for African children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. As a lover of shooting hoops, he thought basketball might be a good place to begin, so he established "Hoops of Hope." During the past seven years, Austin’s one-time dream so far turned into $2 million worth of hope for an estimated 20 million children in need worldwide.

Since 2004, communities all across the country have hosted Hoops of Hope free-throw fundraisers. For the second year, the Tehan family helped organize an . The three Tehan brothers were inspired by Austin’s story to start the local event. Last year, they helped raised nearly $20,000 for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS – more than any other Hoops of Hope event throughout the country. That just goes to show you how passionate Ashburn residents are about helping others!

This year, the Tehan family and other organizers plan to make an even bigger contribution to the cause. “It’s a great event and this year is going to be even better because Austin Gutwein will be there to speak,” Kolleen Tehan.

The Hoops of Hope event starts at 5 p.m. Aug. 27, 2011 at the Eagle Ridge basketball courts located at 42901 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, VA 20148. Children and teens ages 5 to 17 shoot 500 free throws – representing the 500 children orphaned every two hours by HIV/AIDS. Children can sign up in advance to raise money and participate or adults can make donations by visiting Hoops of Hope website or calling 703.966.4491.