Hoop Hunter and Building Believer families,

 

The last few years we have had unprecedented weather.  Last year we encountered record heat and this year it was record torrential rains.  Our original goal was to install an air conditioning system, but the rains came and exposed roof and building damage that required us to redirect our funds towards the repair of our roof and the exterior of our building instead of installing the air conditioning unit.  We are happy to report that we have made some significant improvements to the building including roof repairs, removal of stone on the front of the building and the replacement of water damaged boards with metal sheeting.  In addition, we removed all the leaky skylights and re-caulked all of the windows as well as painted the entire building for a more cohesive look.  We know that the improvements will help us continue to do what we do well into the future.  We appreciated any donated funds towards the capital improvements.  Although we didn’t accomplish our original goal of installing an air conditioning unit, we are confident that we can accomplish that goal on God’s timing.   

 

This year we were forced to re-evaluate our operating expenses and we made the difficult decision to change our price structure and rates.  We realized that we had not kept up with inflation in several years so it was time to make a change to help us stay solvent.  We realize that the rate structure does not fit everyone’s budget.  With that in mind, we offered several weekday programs as well as weekend clinics to help many families plug in where they are able at more economical rates.   This year basketball season has brought us unprecedented requests for private training and we are working hard to get students in for training as quickly as we can and have also added some special training events to get students trained and ready for the season even when we don’t have immediate openings for private training. God has continued to be faithful in providing clientele and he will continue to guide our efforts as we seek to add one if not two additional trainers in the near future.  We are confident that God is good and will provide what we need. 

 

We also have extended ourselves out to the communities as we continue to participate in the Academy4 program which allows us to enter Title I schools and share our love of the game and teach fundamental skills as well as leadership skills to 4th graders.  According to Academy4, 4th grade is a pivotal year to imprint on these kids so they can build confidence, leadership and learn a new skill so we are happy that we can attend two schools this year, Jack Binion and Watauga Elementary schools each month.  We will be with the same kids for the entire year and watch them grow and engage and end the year with a sense of confidence on and off the court.  It is such a blessing to share the love of the game with the younger generation.  We also have expanded to offer low cost clinics each month to provide an opportunity within our gym to accommodate those kids that would not otherwise be able to attend our clinics or programs.

 

This year, we would like to ask that you prayerfully consider donating to continue to support our efforts to reach out into the community and make a difference in a child’s life on and off the court.  Many of our families can attest that we provide more than basketball training and provide mentorship and friendship for life with our students and families.  Join us in supporting your Hoop Hunter and Building Believers family.

 

Many Blessings,                                                                                                                               

 

Deon Hunter, Founder, President