October 2, 2008
The Maccabi Haifa Heat Basketball Club, an Israeli Premier League team, in partnership with United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ, has announced the launch of “Haifa Hoops for Kids,” the first ever Israeli sports philanthropic ticket program offering North American companies, individuals, and organizations the chance to provide underprivileged youth in the Haifa area with the opportunity to experience the excitement of a Maccabi Haifa Heat game.
As the team’s Nov. 9 home opener approaches, the “Haifa Hoops” program aims to fill the team’s Romema Arena with children who otherwise could not afford to attend a game. Throughout the season, children will watch recently acquired point guard Tamir Goodman — an advocate for assisting children in need — and Todd Golden, a star guard out of St. Mary’s College of California who was named to the 2008 All-America First Team by Jewish Sports Review. Also on the court will be Ben Strong, former Division III player of the year out of Guilford College and the first Native American basketball player to play professionally in Israel.
Approximately 40,000 people in Haifa —15 percent of the population — live below the poverty line.
“We are honored to have UJC MetroWest be the team’s first charity partner in the United States,” said Maccabi Haifa Heat owner Jeffrey Rosen. “The Haifa Hoops program is a unique way of contributing to Israel through sports. Our goal is to put a smile on the face of every child who comes to a Haifa Heat game.”
“Sports injects a sense of community and fun for people of all ages,” said UJC MetroWest executive vice president Max Kleinman. “The Haifa Hoops’ ‘philanthropic net’ offers this marvelous basketball experience to the most disadvantaged youngsters in the greater Haifa area.”
The philanthropic ticket packages cost $100, $500, and $1,000. All donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information, visit www.ujcnj.org/haifahoops.
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