LONG SHOTS
WHERE BASKETBALL MEETS COMMUNITY
WHERE BASKETBALL MEETS COMMUNITY
One of our most cherished initiatives is our annual basketball tournament, now in its fifth year, held at Evelyn K. Davis Park in the heart of Des Moines. This event brings together community members, friends, families, and neighbors gives access to Des Moines youth, athletes, coaches, and community members to be competitive without a financial obligation.
LongShots is a celebration of basketball, art, music, and community, where students gain valuable lessons from community leaders on becoming active citizens dedicated to supporting and nurturing their communities for years to come.
TEACHING STUDENTS TO PAY IT FORWARD
At the heart of LongShots lies a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. Without the burden of financial obligation, this annual 3x3 Basketball Tournament and Community Celebration provides an equal playing field for all – bringing together students of all backgrounds, abilities, and playing levels.
This annual tournament not only brings together community members, friends, families, and neighbors but also serves as a vital fundraiser to support basketball programs in local schools, which have been significantly impacted by recent budget cuts.
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Basketball is more than just a game. It teaches teamwork, discipline, and resilience—skills that are invaluable both on and off the court. For many of our students, basketball is a safe haven, a source of joy, and an opportunity to dream big.
However, many programs are getting smaller budgets each year, taking away an essential part of our children’s education, development and future. Many public school programs receive smaller operating budgets each year, taking away an essential part of our children’s education, development and future.
To date, we’ve invested $25,000 to Des Moines Public High School basketball programs through LongShots in support of ensuring that every child who wishes to participate in basketball can do so, regardless of financial constraints.
LongShots 2024 Merch
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS!
"The city of Des Moines is forever in debt to B.Well and the Foundation. The basketball community, especially. We can’t thank you enough for providing an opportunity to compete in LongShots and for funding youth to travel for exposure camps they wouldn’t be able to attend otherwise." — Dominique Shirley, DMPS Lincoln HS Girls Head Basketball Coach
WILL YOU HELP US?
To date, LongShots has raised $25,000 to ensure that every child who wishes to participate in basketball can do so, regardless of financial constraints. This year’s tournament promises to be our biggest and best yet. With your support, we can reach this year's goal of $15,000 and continue to provide the resources needed for our student-athletes, coaches, and community. If you’re interested in volunteering, or providing in-kind donations, please visit our DONATE tab or contact office@bwellfoundation.org.