The Shoot for the Stars annual event began at the high school on May 14th at 9am with a balloon release and court dedication in memory of Alex Betzhold, son of local teacher, Mary Betzhold. The new outdoor basketball courts, also known as Alex’s courts, are located next to the tennis courts and were broken in last week with the Knockout game.

“God’s spirit was present in all the events of the day,” Betzhold said. 

The weather from the night before prevented the dedication to be done on the actual court, but it was held in the auditorium foyer where families all around the community gathered.

The Betzhold family spoke and recognized the other individuals that made it possible for the courts to turn from a dream into reality.

“It was awesome to see so many families at our events,” Betzhold said. “I love that we have such a variety of activities so that people can choose what part of the day they want to participate in. The fellowship within our community is truly a highlight of the day.”

The balloon release and court dedication was followed by the annual 3 on 3 tournament. All members of the community could participate in the tournament since the brackets were separated by age-based divisions.

“It was Steve and Julie Sheridan’s idea to have the free throw contest at the first Shoot for the Stars,” Betzhold said. “It was there idea to have the 3 on 3 the following year[s].”

The high school gym’s basketball court was split into two in order for two half court games to be going on at once. All ages were playing either at the same time or against each other.

Vendors along with different food trucks were available throughout the whole event on Saturday. There was food, snow cones, clothing, and much more available for more entertainment during the basketball games.

There was also a color run hosted by UNICEF where the participants were covered in chalk paint.

In addition, there was music from the Bird Dogs and Zach Nytomt followed by an auction. The auction had a live auction with a lab puppy and year of food and month of training, a silent auction that had a yard greeting, a raised planter box, Day at the Ticket, Anytime Fitness – 2 people for a year, a laptop, a back yard acoustic show, 17th suite passes to Byron Nelson, a wine tasting, and an LSA dinner for 10 on the roof. 

“The evening event at Fuzzy’s was fabulous, the decorations were stunning, and the musicians rocked the house,” Betzhold said. “The Haynes sisters did beautifully – as did AJ Fine, Zach Nytomt and George Dunham and the Birddogs.”

This was the 6th annual shoot for the stars event, and each year the event grows with more support from the community.

“We believe that God is the one who has given us direction in planning our event each year, and we are certain that he will provide direction every year,” Betzhold said. “Our main goal is in glorifying him through all the events of the day.”