A HEARTY cause

POLSON — On Friday, April 13, there will be a big basketball game at Linderman Elementary. But while the name suggests one thing, it’s really the theme behind the game that makes its meaning so great.

Next Friday, the Bloodclotters will take on the Defibrillators in the Chubby Chicks Basketball for Heart game, a fundraiser in which 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. 

“Just because we’re a little bit bigger doesn’t mean we don’t like to do these things,” event organizer Shelley Croft said.

In December, Croft was sitting in the stands watching her son Garrett’s basketball game when she decided that she wanted to play, but not just for kicks. She wanted to do it for a cause.

Croft considered doing a fundraiser for cancer, but acknowledged that the high school does a Pink Out game and they do a fabulous job, so she changed direction.

“My mom called me one day and she has heart disease,” Croft said. “I thought, right there, we’ll play for heart disease.”

From there, Croft started calling around, recruiting friends and community members to participate for the great cause.

“I told them, ‘before I ask this question, I want you to keep your mind open’ and here’s what I want to do…” Croft said.

The response was so overwhelming, Croft had her first team put together in about a week and a second team established not long after.

The teams have been practicing once a week for about two hours at a time over the last four weeks, getting ready for what is sure to be a fun, enjoyable and successful night.

“We’re out there to have a good time, try to score some points and raise some money,” Croft said.

The event will feature free blood pressure checks by school nurses, raffles and health-conscious baskets donated by St. Luke and St. Joseph’s Hospitals, a halftime pop shot and tumbling routine and the check presentation late in the game. Subway is also donating sandwiches for the evening, while Whitefish Credit Union and Ronan Pizza Café sponsored the teams.

“This community, it’s just amazing what they do and how they support fundraisers like this,” Croft said. “They come together as one and without them, this would not have been possible.”

Croft is encouraging everyone planning on coming out to wear a red shirt and make this event as memorable and successful as she’s envisioned.

“One little thought, the idea that this has taken off, has become beyond what I ever would have thought,” Croft said.

The game begins at 7:30 p.m. on April 13. Have a heart and get down to Linderman to help this event carry as much weight as possible.