Hearts & Hoops | Paul Savramis

Rising Stars student athletes flexed their giving muscles at Rising Stars’ Hearts & Hoops event on December 14, 2015, reports Paul Savramis.

December is a busy month for most, says Savramis. But that didn’t stop more than 100 of Rising Stars’ student athletes and their families from taking the time to give back this holiday season. On December 14, 2015 Rising Stars hosted Hearts & Hoops, a one night event that benefited five different organizations.

According to Rising Stars founder Paul Savramis, the night was filled with laughter, tears, and hope for the New Year as students decorated cards for homebound seniors, wrapped gifts for underprivileged kids, and learned
about the soldiers who’d be spending this Christmas away from their loved ones. Hearts & Hoops volunteers decorated cookies for families with children receiving medical care at the Ronald McDonald House and dropped off over 100 coats for men, women, and children for NY CARES.

Paul Savramis explains that while Rising Stars students stay involved in their community year-round, this event really brought out the best in everyone. The night was a wonderful opportunity to give back to those who give so much of themselves. One thing stood out to Savramis – the kids, he says, all showed up and worked with smiles on their faces. There were no complaints and not a single child acted as though they were forced to be there.

Programs like Rising Stars teach children about the benefits of teamwork, notes Paul Savramis. Kids learn to look at the world from a point of view that isn’t their own. They learn that each person has value. Coupling the positive lessons learned from sports with events like Hearts & Hoops helps these kids make a difference in the world they will inherit.

Paul Savramis offers a special thanks to the Hance Family Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House, NY Cares, Meals on Wheels, and the people behind Operation Gratitude for allowing Rising Stars to be a part of these wonderful charities.