University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Athletics Works With Arby's and United Way to Host 'Hands on Asheville'
01.19.2018 | General, Men's Basketball, Athletics News
**Story written by senior swimmer Shannon Kennedy**
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville athletics department had the privilege of hosting "Hands On Asheville" on Jan. 15 for a men's basketball game where approximately 75 local teenage students were able to enjoy a pregame meal and an exciting 10-point victory over Charleston Southern.
The event on the Arby's Scholarship Deck was sponsored by Arby's and United Way.
"Hands On Asheville" is a local United Way volunteer center and assists local middle school students with after-school homework diners. The homework diners allow volunteer tutors to work with student on their homework and also creates an environment for learning and community, while providing a meal for the students and their families.=
"These kids don't take anything for granted. They get a hot meal, get to sit down with tutors and work on their homework. It was my hope and thought to reward them for their efforts," said Mike Hicks, a BAA Board member and Director of Marketing for Brumit Restaurant Group . "The end goal is to have them stay a little longer and work a little harder to achieve their goals."
Hicks felt these students deserved a reward for their hard work, and he worked hard to supply food and admission to the UNC Asheville men's basketball game on Monday, Jan. 15. Hicks emphasized that it was important these students came to the game since most of them haven't had the opportunity to step on a college campus.
"Most of these kids haven't started thinking about college, but these events will allow UNC Asheville to be on their radar in their future college decisions," Hicks said.
