This past week the Star Valley community did what they all too often do. They showed up when someone needed a hand. The Lady Braves volleyball Pink Night fundraiser was extra personal as well this year as they honored the Billy Hoopes family who has a daughter on the team.

According to coach Kalin Schwab, the program raised more than $12,000 to help the family as they go through the challenges of medical bills and other expenses now that Billy passed away last month.

“It was awesome,” Schwab said of the outing. “The community showed up for a family that needed support. They showed we were with them. We raised over $12,000. It was really good. I couldn’t have asked for a better showing. We thank the people that showed up and bid and the businesses that sponsored things. All of that means a lot. Overall I thought the night was very successful.”

Schwab noted just how many people pitched in for many jobs. He especially was grateful for those that bid or donated and the many area businesses who put themselves out there to help. He pointed out the girls on the team make an annual job of it as well as those who just do things out of the kindness of their heart.

“I think it catches all the girls off guard how much work goes into it,” he said. “Until you are planning things and talking to businesses and organizing things, you may not realize what it takes. Then there are people like Marci Johnson; she hasn’t coached in a few years but is still such a resource for the girls and a champion for this night. They couldn’t do it without her.”