Hoops 4 Israel Exec Crew 2010

"It's all right to aim high if you have plenty of ammunition" -Hawley R. Everhart

That is how we feel with Hoops 4 Israel, lofty goals on a yearly basis, but plenty of fire power in our volunteers to make it happen. H4I is privileged to have buy-in from some of the most capable and dedicated young volunteers in the Toronto Jewish Community.

Aaron Collins (28), joined the H4I committee in 2007 to help plan and implement its inaugural event. Since then, Aaron has been extremely active in the planning process and took on Gameday operations chair in March 2009. A 2005 Birthright Israel alumnus, Aaron has made a significant impact on the Hoops squad through his years of volunteerism with us, and continues that trend by heading up Gameday ops in 2010 (contact: aaronc@hoops4israel.com)

Daniel Winberg (27), has been part of the H4I faithful, planning and playing in the event since 2007. In 2008, Dan was a top-individual fundraiser and furthered his involvement in the community by Chairing the annual One Family Fund bike-a-thon to support Israeli victims of terror. A Birthright Israel alumnus of 2004, Dan is spearheading the team management division of H4I 2010. To register a team with us, please contact danielw@hoops4israel.com.

Jon Ordon (27), joined H4I in 2009 and made a significant impact in his first year as part of the in-kind sponsorship division, leading H4I to have its largest amount of rewards for top fundraisers and winning teams since our beginning. Jon is heading up this division again in 2010 and is looking for volunteers to help enhance our event by obtaining goods that can be used to reward our amazing volunteer participants. Jon can be reached at jonathano@hoops4israel.com.

Ari Ditkofksy (26), is the newest member of the executive crew of Hoops 4 Israel 2010. Having returned from his Birthright Israel trip in August 2009 and having spent a week with Ethiopian-Israeli youth, Ari is ready to make an impact through Hoops 4 Israel channels in 2010. A player and committee member, Ari brings an innovative and enthusiastic approach to Jewish fundraising that will set a new standard of how fundraising events are conducted in the Toronto scene moving forward. To connect with Ari, please send him an email to arid@hoops4israel.com to ask how you can get involved with his help.

Team Post of Birthright Israel Alumni Community (BAC): Lior Cyngiser (29), Shira Webber (29), Shauna Waltman (29), Dave Goodman (27) have been the staff-arm of Hoops 4 Israel since 2007. H4I is a grassroots initiative that has used the guidance and support of BAC since its inception of planning in 2006. For more information about the plethora of initiatives and programming that BAC executes on a monthly basis, please visit www.bactoronto.com.

Taking it to the next level: Ari Ditkofsky

Ari Ditkofsky, a 26 year old volunteer participant of Hoops 4 Israel 2009 lead the charge placing first in personal fundraising, second in team fundraising, and finished as runner's up in bball competitive play in the one-day tourney. Ditkofsky recruited his entire team of 6 to pitch in and make contributions for the at-risk youth of Bat Yam, Israel and set an H4I record sporting the tallest collective H4I team since our inception tourney in 2007.

Ditkofsky taking it to the cup in the semi-finals Vs. the RioCan team (captained by Joseph Wise)

Team Ditkofsky Boys (L-R): Brandon Kaplan, Ari Ditkofsky, J.R. Bailey, Mark Ditkofsky, Kevin Shand, Dave Jankovic

What blew us away was Ari’s determined effort to help long after the charity event ended in late March. After his Birthright Israel trip to the Holy Land in late July 2009, Ari met up with social workers, Laura Kindler & Leah Biteolin to work with some of the at-risk youth to facilitate a mini basketball camp in early August 2009.

Ditkofsky teaching clinics in Bat Yam, Israel (August 2009)

Ari has joined the H4I volunteer committee and is now an active member of our team management division. The spirit of volunteerism and tikun olam runs deep with Ari. He’s a prime example of an H4I volunteer participant who not only wants to raise as much money as possible to support a variety of social infrastructure for these youth; but he wanted to have a hands on influence and experience with the kids themselves. To discuss with Ari further, reach out to him at arid@hoops4israel.com.