LETTER: …our gratitude to the Ely Girls’ basketball team, the Ely Timberwolves - for their support through their annual Hoops For Hope Basketball Tournament

To The Editor

On behalf of the Spiritwood Foundation of Ely - I would like to publicly announce our gratitude to the Ely Girls’ basketball team, the Ely Timberwolves - for their support through their annual Hoops For Hope Basketball Tournament.

In December, 2014, the Ely Timberwolves held their first annual Hoops For Hope Basketball Tournament, and decided to donate 100% of what they raised to the Spiritwood Foundation.  Since 2014, each year that they held the tournament, the Ely Timberwolves continued that tradition. The latest Hoops For Hope Basketball Tournament was held this past December, and once again, they donated 100% of the proceeds to our Foundation.

The Spiritwood ‘Forget Me Not’ Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization committed to supporting organizations that enhance the quality of life of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Our efforts are aimed at the many concerns and worries of family members and caregivers, and our focus is on the dignity of each individual. Donations to our Foundation fund programs for Veterans Homes and assist other non-profits working in Memory Care. We are also committed to penetrating the barriers that engulf the aged with vibrant musical performances. That is why we created the Spiritwood Senior Living Network - a unique subscription service for Senior Living Communities (assisted living, independent living, memory care), nursing homes, Veterans Homes and VA Hospitals - providing a variety of pre-recorded, live performances - created especially for seniors and designed to engage, entertain, and spark memories. We are building an App that will launch this Spring (think Netflix for seniors). This year, the Ely Timberwolves’ donation will help us complete the SLN App, with vibrant content that promotes social interaction and enhances a recreation experience. (More about this project and our Foundation’s other efforts at SpiritwoodFoundation.com.)

So, thank you! Thank you!

Tom Omerza, Head Coach Max Gantt - and the Ely Timberwolves: Amelia Penke, Audrey Kallberg, Else Bee, Hannah Penke, Grace LaTourell, Clare Thomas, Zoe McKenzie, Gretta Lowe, Julia Zgonc, Ruby Lowe, Maija Mattson, Maizy Sundblad, Madison Rohr, Madeline Perry, Madeline Kallberg, Sarah Visser, Lydia Schultz and Kaylin Visser - for your efforts and generosity.

We are so grateful and honored that you chose our Foundation to support with your Hoops For Hope Tournaments.

Donna Surface - Director, Spiritwood Foundation

Foundation Board Members: Sheri Dochat, Barb Lyke, Alison Arver, Lori Boes, Julie Weller, Jim Salentine, Terri Pylka, and Carly Evancevich.