On April 15, 2010, a vision came to fruition.

Shaina Gilbert '10 watched from the sidelines as students squared off against staff for a novel fundraising event known as "Hoops for Haiti."

The Brandeis Haiti Relief Effort, now known as the Brandeis Haiti Initiative, staged the friendly basketball exhibition between staff and students to fundraise for relief efforts for a disaster-ravaged Haiti.

The Haiti Relief Effort that year focused on support for three organizations, one of which proved to be Gilbert's Empowering Through Education camp.

Founded in 2009, and based in Hinche, Haiti-the hometown of Gilbert's mother-the summer program sought to serve and educate 100 children in at-risk communities.
Fast-forward to Saturday.

Hoops for Haiti received an added boost in publicity this year from its affiliation with Brandeis' inaugural HOOPcoming week. Led by Stacy Finley '16 and Terry Shaipitisiri '16, the committee planned a series of spirit-based events, revolving around the Judges' two critical University Athletic Association games this past weekend, to rally the student body.

Gilbert reflected on the sustained success of this event, a fundraising initiative that, each year, has continued to take Red Auerbach Arena by storm.

"Even four years later, I am so glad that Hoops for Haiti is alive and kicking," she said about the event.

Her words resonated as Dean of Student Life Jamele Adams led the student squad onto the court against a staff team coached by men's basketball guard Ruben Kanya '14.

While Kanya had a fifth straight victory in mind for the faculty, he also expressed his appreciation for having the opportunity to participate in such a great cause.

"It was an amazing experience to have the opportunity to coach the staff and faculty team in an environment raising money for a great cause," he said.

"It was fun to see the different faces from all departments unite as one community."

Kanya looked like he would have his way, though, in the first 10 minutes of the game.

The students did not earn their first basket until the five minute, 42 second mark in the first half. Prof. Chad Williams (AAAS) drained a statement three-pointer from the right corner. Meanwhile, Cary Weir Lytle, associate director of employer relations at the Hiatt Career Center, and Darryl David '08, from the Office of Student Activities, continued to lead the charge, pacing the faculty to a 19-6 lead.

The students would not be deterred. After a 6-0 run, the students found themselves down by just six points at the half.
Adams' squad continued to claw back from seemingly insurmountable deficits in the second half, pulling to 25-16 and 29-24 margins.

The staff, though, seemed to have the game in hand, boasting a 35-29 lead in the closing minute of the game.

The students then benefited from a helping hand at the scorer's table. With the click of a button, the score suddenly stood at 35-35 and the outcome of the game hinged on the next basket scored.

Vincent Asante '14, who has shined in countless meets on the track during his four-year career with the Judges, then took his talents to the basketball court.

He drained the game-winning basket from inside the paint to clinch the 37-35 victory. The students, accompanied by Adams, stormed the court to the tune of "We Are the Champions."
David, even while on the losing side, alluded to the enriching opportunity that Hoops for Haiti provides for both students and faculty.

"As an alum and staff member, I am ecstatic every time I get to participate in the Hoops for Haiti initiative," he said.

"Not only does it bring attention to a great cause in Haiti but also creates relationships among staff and the student body. As long as my body permits I will continue to support this event and aid in any way possible."

While the students rejoiced, the true champions that night proved to be the 250-plus children in Gilbert's ETE camp who stood to benefit from the fundraising efforts.

Their mission is now more pressing than ever. KIND Snacks, a major multinational food provider, is currently offering $10,000-as a part of the "Do the Kind Thing Initiative"-to support a project aligned with the ideals of social justice.

ETE is a front-runner for the grant, and as the month-long voting period continues to pass, Gilbert elaborated on her program's ability to enrich and inspire children from throughout Haiti.

"We have many eight to 12 year olds enrolled in our program and encourage them to make our nation better," she said. "We hope one day that they will be fearless leaders."

Each year, as students and staff square off for the annual Hoops for Haiti title, that aspiration continues to become more of a reality.