EDINA, Minn. — Basketball brings people together for the better, whether by watching a Timberwolves game at Target Center or playing in the comfort of your own home.
Twelve-year-old Jack and 10-year-old Sam Hetherington, two brothers from Edina, want to bring that feeling to the masses. But first, the brothers are starting at M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital.
"It's a hospital in our community that we would like to support," Jack said.
They're supporting the kids there who are battling life-threatening diseases.
"It's kind of unfair that they have to stay in the hospital," Sam said.
In August, the duo partnered with TB1 Fund and launched Rebound Club.
"We wanted to provide an NBA game for kids at Masonic so they can spend one day out of the hospital or one night to see a Wolves game," Sam said.
"These unique experiences will provide moments of normalization and the opportunity to focus on fun in the midst of their medical experiences," said Aimee Nelson, Director of Patient Family Support Services, at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital.
Their initial goal was to raise $80,000, but they met the goal in just six weeks.
"[It was] a little social media, but we [also] reached out to family and friends to help us," Jack said.
With the money, the Rebound Club secured a luxury suite at Target Center for 20 games throughout the season. Patients and their families can watch the game and enjoy food, drinks and an NBA Jam machine together.
"We think that it's better if we give them a chance like we did as a kid," Sam said.
"We are excited to team up with the Rebound Club to host some courageous and inspiring kids at Timberwolves games this season," said Jake Vernon, SVP of Sales and Services. "We look forward to providing these brave families with an opportunity to spend time together and make some lasting memories at Target Center."
Jack and Sam aren't stopping now that their goal is reached. They hope to get even more families from M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital into the luxury suite during this season and next season. They're also planning for the future.
"We're looking to expand it to other teams in Minnesota like the Twins or the Vikings," Jack said.
They're enjoying doing this venture together as brothers.
"It's been fun, you know? A good way to connect and just do something that we both love," Jack said.
Rudy Gobert heard about what the Rebound Club was doing and decided to team up with them. Now, every child can leave with a signed item from Gobert.
If you want to donate tickets or money to the Rebound Club, click here.
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