Local girl’s ‘Hoops’ tournament raises $700 for Haiti

A charity basketball tournament organized by 10-year-old Sutton Smith of Auburn raised $700 for the earthquake ravaged nation of Haiti.
The round robin tournament, Hoops for Haiti, was simple. Played in the cul-de-sac of a side street in Grove Hill subdivision, people braved the cold for the cause. Children paid $5 to be entered into the tournament, while some people donated money without playing.
Sutton organized the event with her friend Laurel
Sherburn.
“We were watching the morning news and we wanted to do something about it (Haiti),” Smith said. “Since we both like basketball, we thought a basketball tournament.”
The teams were divided by the adults, and fathers refereed the games. All participants received prizes.
Barclay Smith, Sutton’s mother, helped put the event
together.
“A lot of these (people) are our neighbors and the kids basically play basketball every week,” Barclay said. “She and Laurel did all the organization. It’s been a lot of fun and very easy.”
About 35 children played in the tournament.
“It’s a great cause,” Barclay said.
Amanda Parker was at the tournament with both her daughters, Macy and Madison Parker.
“Sutton’s our neighbor. We came to support her and, of course, raise money for Haiti,” she said. “I know Sutton very well and it doesn’t surprise me at all. She is the smartest, sweetest child.”
Sutton said her mother has been in touch with the Red Cross who will help get the $700 to Haiti.