It began by showing up.
In eighth grade, Cooper Steinberg and Derek Graffeo began volunteering with JCCA. Basketball helped them build connections before Hoops for Hope had a name.
Good things grow
when we show up.
Volunteer visits became tournaments. Tournaments became a way to give back. Follow the people and moments behind Hoops for Hope.
Browse past events- 01
- 02
Three founders. One shared idea.
Cooper Steinberg, Derek Graffeo, and Dylan Jonisch founded Hoops for Hope.
Meet the co-founders - 03
March Madness fundraiser
Our first March Madness fundraiser turned a shared love of basketball into support for Pleasantville Cottage School. $700 check donated to the school.
Read the event story
- 04
First basketball tournament
Around 20 participants from JCCA Edenwald joined us for an afternoon built around basketball and connection. ~20 JCCA Edenwald participants.
Read the event story
- 05
Josh Hart basketball fundraiser
A Josh Hart signed basketball fundraiser helped us turn community support into equipment players could use. $1,470 raised through the fundraiser.
Read the event story
- 06
Tournament & sneaker giveaway
We returned to Pleasantville Cottage School for a bracket basketball tournament and a special delivery for the JCCA team. 20 pairs of Under Armour basketball sneakers.
Read the event story
- 07
JCCA shares our story.
JCCA published “Hoops for Hope is More Than a Game,” covering the initiative’s basketball events and giving back.
Read the JCCA feature - 08
Hila AZA / BBYO tournament
A basketball tournament with our BBYO community brought friendship, teen leadership, and giving back onto the same court. ~$150 raised for the initiative.
Read the event story
- 09
Second March Madness fundraiser
Our second March Madness campaign brought supporters together for another tournament season, with a Karl-Anthony Towns signed basketball as the winner’s prize. $1,780 raised over the campaign.
Read the event story - 10
The Brentwood chapter begins.
Planning began for the court renovation at Bernie Guagnini Brentwood Park, Webster Avenue, Harrison, New York.
Explore the court project
- 11
Approval to move forward.
Town of Harrison Parks and Recreation approved the renovation and sponsor wall. Fundraising and coordination with participating companies are underway.
Explore the court project
Look back. See the impact.
March Madness fundraiser
$700 check donated to the school
Read the storyFirst basketball tournament
~20 JCCA Edenwald participants
Read the storyJosh Hart basketball fundraiser
$1,470 raised through the fundraiser
Read the storyTournament & sneaker giveaway
20 pairs of Under Armour basketball sneakers
Read the storyHila AZA / BBYO tournament
~$150 raised for the initiative
Read the storySecond March Madness fundraiser
$1,780 raised over the campaign
Read the storyThe initiative’s lifetime total also includes ongoing donations. Event figures are historical outcomes and are not a complete accounting of every contribution.
THE NEXT CHAPTER IS A TEAM EFFORT.