For weeks, a very large basketball shoe sat at the check-in areas of Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County’s Duneland, Portage, South Haven, and Valparaiso Clubs with a sign stating, “Ask About This Shoe!” When Club members asked – they were encouraged to participate in a healthy lifestyle Free Throw Competition. Sponsored by NIPSCO and Robbie Hummel, Club members Elementary School Grades K – 5 and Middle School Grades 6 – 9 had the opportunity for fifteen basketball free throws. As part of the contest, each Club will name one male and female elementary winner and one male and female middle school winner will have the opportunity to participate in Robbie Hummel’s Basketball Camp from June 22 – 25, 2015 thanks to the generosity of Robbie Hummel and NIPSCO’s Sponsorship.
"What a neat way to support our youth by providing Boys & Girls Clubs 16 entries to attend Robbie Hummel’s basketball camp. In meeting Robbie, it’s easy to see he is a good role model to the area youth and NIPSCO is proud to partner with both Robbie and Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County," said Rick Calinski, NIPSCO Public Affairs Manager.
In addition to the excitement of the competition, Club members at the Portage and South Haven Clubs’ received further excitement as Robbie Hummel, his father Glenn, and Rick Calinski of NIPSCO showed up at the Clubs to cheer on Free Throw Competition participants. Robbie Hummel took time to talk to Club members, sign autographs, and take pictures with the kids.
“It was great to be back in two of Porter County's Boys & Girls Clubs. Playing basketball at the Club was a huge part of my childhood and, to this day, I believe that they play an integral role in shaping the lives of kids all across the country,” states pro basketball player Robbie Hummel.
And about that autographed shoe? The overall top “free thrower” at each Club gets to keep the autographed basketball sneaker as a trophy for their accomplishment!
When school is out, our Clubs are in! For information on membership, volunteer opportunities, or to make a tax deductible donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County, please contact your local Club, call (219) 464-7282 or visit www.bgcpoco.org. Great Futures Start HERE.