The Foundation partners with Hoops 4 Hope in donating funds from select events to the Cancer Action Network. More info on the Cancer Action Network can be found at www.canceractionkc.org. Hoops 4 Hope was started by three family members, Kate Brunk, Jennifer Dehan and John Dehan, who decided they were ready to make a difference in finding a cure for all cancers.

 
John has a long-standing relationship with GABL. He was a player on one of the first GABL teams then became a basketball official when he stopped playing. Through the years, he has been a coach, board member and staff member. John was inducted into the GABL Court of Honor in 2009. Given John's history with GABL, it was only natural that Hoops 4 Hope would partner with the Foundation to put on a basketball tournament to help fight cancer.

 
The first New Year Tip-Off Tournament was held in January 2008 and this tournament is still the primary fundraising event of the partnership. The tournament is open to boys and girls in grades 4-8. In the fall of 2009, the Preseason Tournament was added. About 60 to 80 teams participate in each tournament annually.

 
The partnership has resulted in donations of nearly $50,500 in five years. In 2012, a donation of $16,000 was made. Below, Brett Hunter, managing director of GABL and Judy Temaat, Jennifer Dehan and Kate Brunk of Hoops 4 Hope hold a check representing the donation.