Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Team hosts fundraiser event

The Hali Project. Courtesy of thehaliproject.org.
The Hali Project. Courtesy of thehaliproject.org.
The Lady Buffs volleyball team will be hosting a fundraiser for the HALI Project’s “Where The Learning Continues” program at WTAMU. The WTLC program gives young men and women with developmental disabilities an opportunity to have a college experience with their age-related peers. The money that is raised will go to support teachers and mentors in the program. The event will be an exhibition volleyball match where the Lady Buffs will take on the Buffs football team.

The HALI Project was established in 1999 by Brad Thompson to serve the needs of children with special needs in the Panhandle. Thompson’s 20-year-old daughter, Hali, is the foundation’s namesake and inspiration. She is a special-needs student who serves as an assistant on the volleyball team.

“Hali is at all of our home matches, helping our players get ready,” Jason Skoch, coach of the Lady Buffs volleyball team, said. “If you look closely, you will see her in a lot of team pictures.”

The two teams will trade coaches for the event. Skoch will be coaching the football team, and Don Carthel will be coaching the Lady Buffs. Both coaches are enthusiastic about their respective team’s chances and also share similar sentiments towards the fundraiser.

“When Brad [Thompson] approached us with this idea to help make people aware of what the HALI Project does for the people in the Panhandle, we had no problem jumping on board,” Skoch said. “I can see this being a fun evening and I would not be surprised if it ends up being quite competitive.”
Carthel expressed much of the same anticipation for the event.

“I think it’s going to be a great event for a great cause and it will be very fun,” Carthel said. “I think the girls are going to hammer the boys since I’m coaching the girls. I’m looking forward to see the boys cry when they get hit with a volleyball.”

The event will begin at 7 p.m. on April 28 at The Box. Admission will cost $1.00 for students and $2.00 for adults. The volleyball staff will also be hosting a skills clinic for middle school students at 5:30 p.m. before the event. The clinic will be $5.00 for students and they will get free admission to the volleyball match.

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