The inaugural “OHSAA Foundation Service Week” took place from Friday, November 21 through Saturday, December 5, 2008 in the sport of basketball.  Over 250 high schools participated in 136 events across the state. The 44,000+ fans assisted in generating nearly $250,000 for charitable organizations and causes across the state.  Beyond the dollars raised, Ohio schools collected clothing, books, eyeglasses, toys and approximately 30,000 lbs. of food!

Also making valuable contributions were over 340 licensed OHSAA basketball officials who donated their time. OHSAA Commissioner Dan Ross said, “We are very proud of all our officials and have been overwhelmed by the number of basketball officials that were so willing to give their time to help support such important causes across the state.”  The response from participating schools was also overwhelmingly positive. “I think it is a great opportunity for the kids to recognize the value in doing something for others,” stated Brook Cupps, Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Graham High School.

Of the nearly $250,000 generated, over $177,000 went to charitable organizations and causes across the state as selected by participating schools and over $67,000 was raised for the OHSAA Foundation. Contributions to the OHSAA Foundation are returned to all OHSAA member schools in the form of scholarships, leadership conferences and educational materials for student-athletes in all sports. The OHSAA Foundation annually awards $30,000 in scholarships and hosts six leadership conferences at no cost to member schools.  OHSAA member schools raised money for a wide variety of charities including, but not limited to, the following: