Volunteering on the Hoopfest court

For PayTracer Kevin H., basketball is near and dear to the heart.

On the last weekend of June each year, the city of Spokane, Wash., transforms into the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world. With more than 20,000 players sprawling across hundreds of courts, the event draws 250,000 visitors to the city. It’s easily Spokane’s largest tourism driver, bringing in nearly $40 million for the regional economy.

Without an army of 3,000 volunteers like Kevin, the event wouldn’t happen. This year, Kevin lent a hand distributing team packets, rolled T-shirts, and kept fellow volunteers fed throughout the weekend. In previous years, he’s worked court scoreboards among other duties.

“I’m amazed at the number of volunteers it takes to pull off an event this massive,” he said.

Kevin has seen both sides of the event, being a participant and volunteer. It’s a perspective he appreciates and enjoys each year.

“I used to play, but due to an injury I couldn’t play anymore,” Kevin said. “But, I wanted to be around the energy of it, so I started to volunteer. Even though I’m not on the court, it still feels good to be in that environment.”

For Kevin, volunteering is a labor of love and he plans to continue being part of Spokane’s basketball atmosphere.

“I love how our company allows us to delegate funds or dedicate time to things we feel are important; things that impact the city,” he said.

PayTracers work and live throughout the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about contributions to our community at  PayTrace.net/Community.