An event to raise money for Huntington's disease is a hit in Escanaba.
Read more: Local, Health, Community
ESCANABA -- It was a small idea that started with family and turned into something big. That's what Emily Viau of Minnesota says about the Yooper Hoop-A-Thon--a free-throw competition that raises money for the Huntington's Disease Society of America. Eleven years ago, her brother B.J. started the event back home.
"It was a couple of people in a gym shooting free throws," says Viau. "And my brother came home and said, 'Dad, I want to do our own.' And that turned into the next year with our family and friends in our elementary school gym. We raised $5,000, and it kind of progressed from there."
Emily's parents are from Escanaba and have family who suffer from the disease. After putting on a Hoop-A-Thon in Minnesota for more than a decade, they wanted to bring it to the U-P.
"It's a community event that brings family together," explains Brian Viau. "It's a great day of hope and excitement. So we thought, let's bring it to Escanaba."
The concept is simple: Shoot as many free throws as you can for five minutes.
"You can shoot at a comfortable distance, from the free throw line or closer," says organizer Rick Peterson. "And you can make a flat pledge or make a pledge per basket."
Some of today's shooters came out just to have a little fun on the court. But for others, the cause hit close to home.
"My uncle has H.D." says 15-year-old Kandi Isatts of Bark River. "And I love him and I want to support everyone who has it."
About 20 area residents came out to shoot hoops for the cause. Organizers say no matter how much money is raised today, they're already planning a second Hoop-A-Thon for next year.
