Dribbling Towards Kindness: Hsi Lai Cup Basketball Charity Game Inspires Generosity

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
January 2, 2025

“Score! Nice shot!” echoed through the Hsi Lai Center on December 14, 2024, during the second annual Hsi Lai Cup Basketball Charity Game. Organized by Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Hsi Lai Temple and the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter, the event reflected the vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding master of the FGS Buddhist order, who encouraged practicing the Six Perfections through basketball.

This unique event collected donations of new toys as entry fees, drawing nearly 300 participants, including representatives from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), and the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association (HHIA). Together, they gathered nearly 300 toys for the CHP Santa Fe Springs to distribute to local families.

The charity game was hosted by the Hsi Lai BSA Troop 8888 & Pack 8888, FGS Hsi Lai Temple TAG School, and BLIA Los Angeles Chapter Youth Adult Division 2.

The event kicked off with a flag presentation by the Hsi Lai Boy Scouts, who carried the U.S. and California state flags, followed by the national anthem performed by students from Glen A. Wilson High School. Venerable Hui Dong, the abbot of Hsi Lai Temple, officiated the ceremonial tip-off, launching the youth division game between the CHP 550 Explorer Post Team and the Hsi Lai TAG Hoopers.

The crowd came alive as mascots Chipper the Chipmunk, representing the CHP, and Tagster the Lion, representing the TAG Hoopers, amped up the energy with their playful antics. Cheers rang out for every drive, fast break, and defensive play, accompanied by the sound of whistles and applause. The Hsi Lai TAG Hoopers emerged victorious with a commanding 34–16 win, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.

In the adult division, the CHP Santa Fe Springs narrowly defeated CHP Baldwin Park in a thrilling game, finishing with a score of 39–35.

Before each game, players were introduced by name and position, waving to the crowd and demonstrating a strong sense of team spirit. Following the games, players exchanged handshakes and praised one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

During his closing remarks for the youth division, Venerable Hui Dong commended both teams for their hard work and expressed gratitude to everyone supporting the charity game. Ryan Serrano, Deputy District Director for Los Angeles County First District Supervisor Hilda Solis, also delivered remarks, highlighting the event's role in uniting the community through charity. He presented certificates of recognition to the four teams and Hsi Lai Temple.

Distinguished guests included CHP Santa Fe Springs Captain Melissa Hammond, CHP Baldwin Park Captain Vic Walton, HLPUSD Superintendent Alfonso Jimenez, HHIA President Phyllis Rokus, Dr. Lewis R. Lancaster (Professor Emeritus at UC Berkeley), BLIA Los Angeles Chapter President Alex Wu, Vice President Steven Chow, and other notable figures.

The halftime show featured an energetic street dance performance by students from Los Altos High School, followed by a raffle and trivia contest about Hsi Lai Temple and the CHP, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.

During the award ceremony, trophies were presented to the first- and second-place teams in both divisions, and MVP awards were given to Justin Sear of the Hsi Lai TAG Hoopers and Jeff Chew of the CHP Santa Fe Springs.

Reflecting on the event, Sarah Molina from the CHP 550 Explorer Post Team described it as “a really great opportunity” to support charity while spreading joy in the community. Brandon Chan of the Hsi Lai TAG Hoopers credited their victory to three months of dedicated practice, while MVP Jeff Chew expressed heartfelt gratitude and encouraged others to participate in meaningful events like this one.