Ball State University faculty members and students aided to the Muncie community while playing a few intense, fast-paced basketball games Saturday.
The sport administration program raised almost $1,000 for Muncie Mission Ministries during the Kohl's three-on-three basketball tournament at Irving Gym.
David Pierce, assistant professor of sport administration, said the money raised will be used to buy bath towels, pillows and bedding for the mission's new, 92-room facility.
Don Ford, director of development at the mission, said the event meant a lot to the staff and the occupants of the mission. Every little bit is important for the cause, he said.
The current facility houses 66 and the demand for aid and relief is growing dramatically, he said.
"We're extremely grateful that they chose us," Ford said. "We have a great cause, and it's very critical in the community."
Ford said he hopes the new facility will be operational by Labor Day.
Senior Brad Meadows said the event had several sponsors.
Kohl's provided the start-up money and T-shirts, and five of its employees worked as score- and timekeepers. Champion Awards and Trophies donated the trophies, Pizza Hut and Pita Pit donated food for the participants and WCRD played music during the games, he said.
Meadows said about 80 people in 20 teams played in the tournament.
He said a football signed by Ball State football coach Brady Hoke, a jersey signed by Indiana Pacers player Jermaine O'Neal and a jersey signed by former Ball State basketball player Bonzi Wells were raffled off during the tournament. Event staff sold more than 100 raffle tickets.
Pierce said the tournament was put on by students in seminar in event and facility management issues classes. Every semester, students in those classes are required to run an event to gain experience dealing with the basics of running a sporting event, he said.
Meadows said the staff consisted of about 30 people. The staff was divided into several groups to cover different aspects of running an event, such as public relations, marketing, sponsorship, facilities and fundraising, he said.
He said the students will give the money to the mission this week.
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