(January 15, 2013) On Friday, February 8th, the Harlem Wizards will be making a stop in Hattiesburg to square off against the Habitat Hoopsters, a motley crew of local celebrities. This will be the fourth year the Habitat affiliate has held Hoops for Habitat. However, this is their first time hosting the Harlem Wizards. The Harlem Wizards offer a unique brand of Harlem-style basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks and hilarious comedy routines. The Wizards feature non-stop laughs and deliver a positive message for kids wherever they play. The last three Hoops for Habitat events have been a huge success in generating funds for Habitat’s affordable housing program. Last year, they had almost 1,000 people in attendance and raised nearly $10,000!

The Wizards set themselves apart from other “Harlem-style” basketball teams by working with local not-for-profit and service organizations and holding shows as community fundraising events. For Hattiesburg’s event, the Wizards have partnered with Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity to help raise funds for their spring and summer building projects. For more information on the Harlem Wizards, please visit www.harlemwizards.com

Hoops for Habitat will take place on Friday, February 8th at William Carey’s Clinton Gymnasium. Tickets are $8 advance purchase and will be $10 at the door. If you would like to purchase tickets, please visit www.hattiesburghabitat.org or call 601-582-4663. Tickets can also be purchased at any Hattiesburg Citizens National Bank Location.

This event is sponsored by Citizens National Bank, Fairfield Inn and Suites, Forrest General Hospital, Pine Grove Behavioral Health, William Carey University, Coca-Cola of Hattiesburg, and The First, A National Banking Association. If you are interested in supporting this event, please contact Lee Anne Venable, Resource Development Manager at 601-582-4663 ext. 17 or lvenable@hattiesburghabitat.org.

Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing organization committed to assisting families in need by providing the life-changing opportunity of having simple, decent affordable housing in partnership with a team of enthusiastic volunteers and staff guided by Christian values. Since 1990, our ministry has provided a hand-up, not a hand-out to 59 families in the Hattiesburg community. Habitat volunteers build and repair houses in partnership with low-income families. Upon completion, the families repay the cost of services through zero interest loans and at no profit to Hattiesburg Area Habitat. For more information about how to get involved, visit www.hattiesburghabitat.org or call the Habitat office at 601-582-4663.