The players of the non-profit Flagstaff Hoops U-11 girls’ basketball team are hosting their first fundraiser on May 3 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event, called “Hoops for the Homeless,” aims to raise money for both the team and the homeless community of Flagstaff.

Brad Stricker, a coach of the Flagstaff Hoops U-11 team, intends to lead his players to out-of-town tournaments and toward becoming more skilled athletes. However, he said the team’s goals far surpass basketball, as they also hope to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with the community.

“We are trying to make our basketball club more about giving back to the community,” Stricker said. “There is more to these girls than playing basketball.”

During Hoops for the Homeless, each team member will be participating in free throws, 3-point shots and hot shots, receiving money through a flat fee from donators. Half the earnings will go to the team, and the other half will go to Flagstaff Shelter Services. Each player seeks to receive 12 or more sponsors.

Michele Hernandez, the treasurer for the U-11 girls, said the winners from each event will give a certain amount of money to the shelter.

“The winner from the free throw, the winner from the 3-point shootout, the winner of the hot shot and the one who raises the most money for the Hoops will each donate money in their name to the Flagstaff Shelter Services,” Hernandez said.

Wendy White, the board of directors chair of Flagstaff Shelter Services, said the non-profit organization accepts donations from anyone.

“We do not receive a lot of funding from government agencies, so we do need funding from the community,” White said. “We appreciate this fundraiser because it is coming from younger children.”

Raychele, an 11-year-old Flagstaff Hoops team member, said she was excited to participate in the fundraiser.

“(The homeless community does not) have a home, and I have things like a home and other stuff, and they don’t have a lot, so I think (it is) a great idea because I think they deserve it,” Raychele said.

Hoops for the Homeless was spearheaded by a team mother and fundraising coordinator.

“The bulk of praise really goes to her,” Sticker said. “It is an awesome idea.”

Because this is the first fundraiser led by the U-11 girls’ team, Hernandez said members of the club hope to continue fundraisers in the future.

“We hope these become bigger and better,” Hernandez said. “It’s a great way to help out our local community as well as assist the girls in becoming more involved paired with something they really enjoy doing, like basketball.”

For more information, or to participate in the fundraiser, contact Michele Hernandez at 774-8657.