24-hour game raising money for foster kids at Hoopfest

SPOKANE, Wash.– 60 players from across the country are playing for 24 hours during Hoopfest to support local foster kids.

Embrace Washington will be raising money throughout the 24-hour game and it’s already raised more than $70,000.

Players said supporting their cause keeps them going throughout those 24 hours.

This year’s game has double the participants compared to last year and organizers are excited to see the event grow in Spokane.

Organizer Jason Reinhardt said, “Obviously, we’re Hooptown, so this is where a 24-hour event belongs. We’re the only ones that I know that play outside. We’ve doubled the player count and the volunteer count, and so far, the money that we’ve raised for Embrace Washington and Hoopfest charities.”

Players said it gets difficult to continue laying when it gets late into the night, but they’re focusing on the charity they’re raising money for to keep them motivated.

“At first, the 24 hours can seem scary, and you’ll think about whether you want to do this.,” Players Colin and Gavin said, “but then you’ll get Jason talking about why we do this and where the money goes to support the foster children.”

Embrace Washington will also be holding events during its 24-hour game, including a police officer versus fire fighter game.

The games will run until 7 a.m. on Saturday.