Ocracoke high school senior Matteus Gilbert is combining his love of basketball with his commitment to helping families battle malnutrition and hunger in Eastern NC.
He organized the upcoming "End of the Hunger Games" event at 5pm on March 17th in the Ocracoke School gym. The fundraiser will include three 3-on-3 basketball tournaments:
- Youth Tournament, age 13 and under
- Men's Tournament
- Women's Tournament
Registration is $25 per team and all proceeds will be donated directly to the Food Bank of the Albemarle.
A 3-point shooting contest will also take place.
The concession stand will be open serving pizza and Mexican food – all these proceeds will also go to the Food Bank.
The End of the Hunger Games 3-on-3 Tournament serves as Matteus's senior project and a continuation of his leadership education from HOBY (Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership). In 2016, Matteus was chosen by his teachers to be a student ambassador to the HOBY World Leadership Congress in Chicago, IL. Student ambassadors study different models of leadership and share a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
"Last summer at HOBY, I learned a lot about hunger issues," he said. "It's not really addressed much in our area, and most people are not aware of it, but it is a problem."
Matteus is working to promote his fundraising event and get as much participation as possible.
"Every penny we earn will go to the Food Bank of the Albemarle, and they told me that every dollar we send will equal about five pounds of food," he said.
Call or text Matteus Gilbert at (252) 588-2290 to reserve a spot in advance. You may also register on the day of the event.
Cash donations or non-perishable food items will gladly be accepted.
If you're off the island and would like to mail a check, please make it to "Ocracoke School" (with "End of the Hunger Games" in the memo line), and mail to Ocracoke School, PO BOX 189, Ocracoke, NC 27960.