Some of you know that last year I participated in the Hoops of Hope event at Central and I shot 1,000 free throws. I've decided that I just can't pass it up this year. I am done with school here on December 3rd so I will be sure to get a plane ticket just before the day of the event this year, which is Dec. 6th. No matter if I'm totally jet-lagged, I will do it!

I have been so impacted by Austin and this event this year and I'm pumped to do it again! The blessing that came out of knowing that every basketball I threw up in the air was saving an orphaned child's life was amazing. I want to ask you to partner with myself and Hoops of Hope to help raise the money needed to build a second laboratory and a counseling centre in Zambia. If you don't feel God is calling you to give, please don't feel that you need to. But if you have a heart for God's people in Africa and you are able to give, please consider doing so. Just think of how great of a future these people will have only because we were able to reach into our pockets and pull out $10, $15, $20. If you are unable to give, I ask that you would support this event in prayer; pray for the event, for God's hand to move in a mighty way, pray for the children in Africa awaiting this awesome opportunity, and pray for the people all across the world partaking in this event to shoot 1,000 hoops! And praise God for what He has already done through this movement.

Jesus called us to care after widows and orphans and this is one small step to give back to God for all He has done for us. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress..." (James 1:27)

Thank you so much for your support and your heart in God's kingdom.

In Him, Tara

Below are some details:

Over the past four years, Hoops of Hope participants have raised over $325,000. The money raised by participants has gone to sponsor over 100 orphans, build a high school in Twatchiyanda, Zambia, and last year, build a medical lab and counseling center in Sinazongwe, Zambia.

By my participation this year, I will be helping to raise money for a second medical lab and counseling center in Zambia. These laboratories provide quick and effective HIV/AIDS testing, allowing those who are ill to quickly begin drug therapy and other treatments. This helps prolong the lives of moms and dads and helps keep children from becoming orphans.

Across the world over 5,700 children every day are losing one or both parents to HIV and AIDS. I can't possibly help them all, but if each of us help a little, we can make a big difference!

Donating on this webpage is simple and totally secure. If you would like more information about Hoops of Hope or would also like to join the free throw shooting marathon, you can visit their website at www.hoopsofhope.org