Our WRT Community is filled with members that are change makers both inside and outside the walls of WRT. We celebrate our members that are making contributions to the world and making the changes they want to see.
Meet WRT members Zachary Kirschner and Jacob Frieldand. Both are Scarsdale High School juniors who founded Hoops for Change, a nonprofit organization that organizes local basketball tournaments to raise money for charities.
Inspired to make a difference after October 7, and finding some free time with a “lighter course load” their sophomore year, Jake and Zach wanted to incorporate their love for basketball, their desire to raise money for Israel, and their commitment to volunteerism. Having begun their volunteer journey with Backyard Sports Cares (Backyard Sports), a non-profit committed to being a “bridge to neighborhoods and participants from various demographics and cultures,” Zach and Jake already had an understanding of the transformative nature of sports. They themselves started volunteering weekly for Backyard Sports when they were 12 years old as part of their Lo Ta’amod Project for their b’nei mitzvah and have continued until today. Hoops for Change seemed to be a logical next step in their dedication to giving back.
Jake and Zach organize the tournaments from start to finish, including sending introduction and informational emails, securing the courts, promoting the tournaments, creating the teams, collecting the donations, and refereeing the games. To date, Hoops for Change has raised over $4,000 through local tournaments in New York and Connecticut. While they remain committed to raising money for meaningful charities and causes, they have also expanded to birthday parties.
Come learn more about Hoops for Change and Backyard Sports Cares at the WRT Mitzvah Fair, Sunday, April 27, 2025, 11:30 am – 1 pm at WRT.