Hosted by The Big Blue Umbrella Nonprofit, the fundraiser will include two basketball games, half-time performances, contests and giveaways to raise funds to launch the nation’s first corps of Certified Homelessness Advocates (CHAs).
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Big Blue Umbrella Nonprofit is excited to announce Shooting Stars: Hoopin’ to End Homelessness, its inaugural celebrity basketball game that will bring together athletes, celebrities, public servants, and community members to raise funds and awareness to combat homelessness in Los Angeles County. The event will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2024, First Game 5:30 & Second Game 7:30 PM at the Terasaki Budokan Recreation Center located at 249 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. For sponsorship, vendor or ticket information visit: www.basketball4.charity.
“Los Angeles is facing an unprecedented homelessness crisis, and it will take a collaborative effort to end it,” says Danya Mitchell, the Executive Director of The Big Blue Umbrella. “This event not only raises funds but also brings the community together to show that we care about the well-being of our neighbors and are committed to creating long-term, sustainable solutions.”
With more than 76,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County, this fundraising event comes at a critical time. Proceeds from the game will directly fund the nation’s first corps of Certified Homelessness Advocates (CHAs) who work with unhoused individuals in person, to help them transition out of homelessness by providing verified resources in real-time, employment opportunities, and access to supportive, wrap-around services.
Event Highlights Include:
- High-Stakes Co-Ed Celebrity Basketball Game featuring athletes, actors, and community leaders
- Halftime Performances by surprise guest entertainers
- Fan Engagement Activities, including giveaways, raffles, and interactive games
- Food and Beverage Vendors offering delicious local eats
- Holiday Food and Toy Drive for families in need during the holiday season
The Game That Creates Jobs and Help for the Homelessness
With the funds raised during the inaugural Shooting Stars benefit game, TheBBU will train and hire 25 Certified Homelessness Advocates CHAs to conduct outreach during the most challenging months of the year– with the goal of helping over 2,000 unhoused individuals find homes and rebuild their lives.
Let’s End Homelessness
The Shooting Stars: Hoopin’ to End Homelessness benefit game will be a night of fun, inspiration, and community action and offers a meaningful way to get involved and support the fight to end homelessness in LA County.
- Visit www.basketball4.charityfor Tickets, vendor and Sponsorship Information or to Volunteer
- Spread the Word: Use #HoopinForHomes on social media to raise awareness and show your support.
About The Big Blue Umbrella Nonprofit
Founded in 2012, The Big Blue Umbrella (BBU) is a nonprofit organization addressing the critical social and environmental challenges of homelessness and plastic waste pollution with innovative people-first solutions. BBU initiatives empower individuals to transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency, galvanize communities, and create jobs.
The Big Blue Umbrella is the first organization to certify and employ a corps of Certified Homelessness Advocates to engage in compassionate outreach and work directly with unhoused individuals to provide verified services and support. Similarly, The Big Blue Umbrella’s corps of Certified Recycling Advocates helps communities rally to reduce the unrecyclable waste overwhelming California landfills.
The Big Blue Umbrella’s unique approach to solving critical social and environmental issues is upheld by the three pillars of education–recognizing that knowledge is power; employment–acknowledging that jobs lead to self-sufficiency, and advocacy–recognizing that effective policies produce an environment where innovative solutions can thrive. To learn more visit www.TheBigBlueUmbrella.org.
