Santa’s helpers
By Michael Selecky

As the realities of the weather become more and more alarming, as they annually do, I thought it might be time to take a look at some of what’s right and good on the sporting landscape, as quality people reach out to aid the less fortunate, both locally and beyond.
In Genesee County, the Grand Blanc High School hockey boosters and varsity players hosted an evening of activities for kids in grades three through five on Dec. 7. The event at the high school included floor hockey, cookies, pizza, popcorn, juice and basketball to raise money for a sport in which the cost of participation is greater than most. To contribute to the program, call 810-695-5333.
At Goodrich High School, the Martians had a staff basketball game that was hosted by Lake Fenton in late February.
“It was a fundraiser for a class,” said Goodrich High School teacher Sven Anderson. “We won, but it was close. Attendance was sparse and I served as our coach.”
In Burton, Bentley girls’ basketball coach RC Wilcox has started a fundraiser in which the program, in association with the Genesee County Fair, will raffle off a ticket package for the Daytona 500, which takes place Feb. 17.
Tickets are $10 each and the prize is valued at $4,200. The goal is to sell 200 tickets, with Bentley receiving 30 percent. The winner will be selected Dec. 26 at Courtland Center Mall at 8 p.m. To get in on the action, call 810-730-0508.
Wilcox also initiated the school’s first staff basketball game, which took place Dec. 15 against the All Star Squad from radio station CK 105.5.
Other Burton joy was spread on Nov. 15 as the teachers of Atherton Community Schools traveled to Genesee High School for a staff basketball game of its own, which Atherton won, 81-65. The third annual event raised money for student council events with the winner getting to hold a traveling trophy crafted by the woodshop students at Atherton. To help further the cause, contact either high school.
On a different local front, the members of the Lapeer East wrestling team donated 30 bags of groceries to the United Methodist Church’s soup kitchen on Dec. 10 for no other purpose than to brighten the lives of those without a home or regular source of sustenance.
Another worthwhile cause came in the form of the Lapeer East High School Pep Club, whose focus is to raise funds for school spirit items, such as a new mascot uniform and a student section banner. On Nov. 9, the club held its first event, “Volleybuff,” where the seniors faced the juniors in a boys’ volleyball game, with the seniors taking all three games.
The event was attended by about 200 people and raised approximately $1,000. The club’s second project is still ongoing, as they are selling T-shirts featuring the theme of the Lapeer East student section, “The Bird Cage,” for $10. For details, call Pep Club sponsor Jessica Peters at 810-667-2148.
People can contribute to the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger (MSAH), founded in 1991, in two ways. Contributors can donate part or all of harvested gamr to one of the affiliated participating processors. The meat will be distributed to area soup kitchens and shelters. The second option is to support the MSAH by making a $1 or more donation while purchasing a hunting or fishing license.
The MSAH is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization and all contributions are fully tax deductible. For details, call 313-278-3663 or e-mail website@sportsmenagainsthunger.org.
Processing is accomplished through the Food Bank Council of Michigan and is locally handled through the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint. For details, call 810-239-4441.

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