By By ANDY HAMILTON / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Dozens of Niles High School students spent a whole class period playing basketball Friday – and not for gym class.
The first Hoops for Heart was held throughout the day in the school's secondary gymnasium to raise money for the American Heart Association. By 10:30 a.m. the fundraiser had already generated about $2,600, said Jami Foster, a physical education and health teacher at the high school.
"They can play pick-up games, horse, pig, whatever they want as long as they are active all the time," Foster said.
Also coordinating the event was fellow physical education and health instructors Jim Arnold and Art Zache. Three Viking seniors – Leigh Tyler, Sam Brawley and Abby Mitchell – also carried a lot of the load.
"These are students that have done most of the work," Foster said.
Students collected pledge money to hoop it up for one class period. The event also raised money by raffling a basketball autographed by Michigan State University head coach Tom Izzo and gift certificates to area businesses.
All money went to the American Heart Association for lifesaving heart and stroke research and educational programs.
Many other local businesses donated money, food, drinks and other services for the students that participated. Foster said the goal was to raise $5,000 to $10,000, but added any amount was a victory.
"I wouldn't say we've fallen short because it's our first time. I'd say we raised our goal just raising any money for the American Heart Association," Foster said.
Also on hand were students from the Professional Health Careers Academy, who provided free blood pressure checks.
"Today's all about giving Niles High School students an opportunity to give back to the community," Foster added.