Tourney to Highlight CRYP’s “Power of Four” and “Youth Leaders in Service” Programs
Due to popular demand, the Cheyenne River Youth Project® in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, has once again scheduled a special basketball tournament at its Cokata Wiconi Teen Center to raise funds for the youth project’s programming, services and operations. The Fundraiser Games is slated for 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 24 and will feature teams comprising a variety of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe’s First Responders.
“We’re really excited to bring the Fundraiser Games back to our East Lincoln Street campus this year, because the event is so much more than a fundraiser,” said Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director. “It’s a special occasion for the community to get together and have some fun in support of the greatest cause of all — Cheyenne River’s children.”
The last Games, held in 2009 and 2010, raised an overflow of community spirit as well as approximately $1,000 to support CRYP. The youth project’s staff is hopeful that the return of the Games this year will once again bring the community together.
“In past years’ events, we’ve been blown away by the community bonding that took place,” Garreau reflected. “Everyone was so generous and supportive. They understood why they were there, and everyone felt really good about participating in something so worthy. This was a community lifting itself up… it was magnificent."
This year, the following groups have been invited to form teams and participate in the basketball tournament: CRST’s Tribal Council representatives; the local ambulance service; local law enforcement’s police and detention officers; the CRST Department of Game, Fish & Parks; the staff of Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Schools; Head Start; CRST’s Tribal Health Department; and CRST Property & Supply.
The youth project will open its doors at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. For the next hour, guests will enjoy music and concessions, and they may purchase tickets to win a variety of raffle prizes.
Staff will welcome teams and spectators to the Games at 1 p.m. with a short presentation, team introductions and a prayer. The tournament’s first round will officially kick off at 1:30 p.m.
“The tournament structure is single elimination,” said Tammy Granados, CRYP’s wellness coordinator and the event organizer. “We’ll have eight-minute halves.”
CRYP will have two flip scoreboards for score keeping, and community and youth volunteers will serve as referees. The staff will host a half-court shootout for prizes, and youth basketball participants will provide additional halftime entertainment. CRYP plans to invite local youth dance groups to perform at halftime as well.
Granados said she expects the tournament’s first round to conclude by 5:30 p.m., at which point CRYP will conduct a special honoring ceremony and community feed for the teen interns in its Power of Four and Youth Leaders in Service programs. Then, at 6:15 p.m., it will be time for the Three-Point Shoot-Out, with 15 available slots and three shooting stations.
“For an entry fee of $5, you can compete for prizes,” Granados explained. “We have awards for first, second and third place.”
The Three-Point Shoot-Out was a team player’s idea during a previous year’s Fundraiser Games. That, Garreau said, is what the Games are all about.
“Because it’s a community event, teams are welcome to contribute ideas for raising funds,” she said. “All the groups are very supportive and realize how important this event is. Everyone pitches in for a worthy cause.”
The second round of the Games will begin at approximately 6:45 p.m. and will be “over when it’s over,” Granados said. At that point, the youth project will make its closing remarks and announce the total amount raised through ticket sales and concessions. All Fundraiser Games proceeds — from admission tickets, concessions, raffle tickets, shoot-out entry fees, pledges for individual players and additional donations — benefit CRYP.
Garreau and Granados said they hope this year’s Games will raise $2,000 to support the youth project, but all staff members acknowledge that the event’s greatest purpose is not a financial one.
“Again, the Fundraiser Games are not only about raising money, they bring an entire community together in support of its children,” Garreau said. “It’s a day of unity and friendly competition for a great cause, and everyone comes out a winner in the end.”
CRYP is currently seeking donations and pledges for this year’s Fundraiser Games. Interested supporters can mail checks to CRYP at P.O. Box 410, East Lincoln Street, Eagle Butte, SD 57625. Or, simply visit the website at www.lakotayouth.org, click "Help CRYP" and select "Monetary Donations."
To learn more about the Cheyenne River Youth Project® and its programs, and for information about making donations and volunteering, call (605) 964-8200 or visit www.lakotayouth.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest CRYP news and events, visit the youth project’s Facebook “Cause” page. All Cause members will receive regular updates through Facebook.
The Cheyenne River Youth Project®, founded in 1988, is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Cheyenne River reservation with access to a vibrant and secure future through a wide variety of culturally sensitive and enduring programs, projects and facilities that ensure strong, self-sufficient families and communities.