Domonick Nelson holds fond memories of playing basketball frequently at St. Clair Brooks Memorial Park in Stafford County as a youth.
Now that Nelson is a business owner and community leader, he leans on those childhood memories to bring hope to other young people in the Fredericksburg area.
Nelson hosted the “Hoop 4 Hope” block party Sunday at Brooks Park.
The event, in its 12th year, provides a haven for basketball players, ranging from school age to adults, to enjoy the game they love while fellowshipping with one another and supporting local businesses.
“I’m blessed,” said Nelson, who owns a mobile barbershop. “I enjoy helping the kids and giving back to the community.”
The event’s purpose is to promote community outreach and small businesses in the region, while allowing spectators to take in 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 hoops action. Teenagers mainly filled the 5-on-5 rosters, while adults partook in the 3-on-3 half-court games.
“I never really change the format of the event,” Nelson said. “It’s always a good turnout.”
Adults participated in 3-on-3 action in the annual Hoop 4 Hope event Sunday at St. Clair Brooks Memorial Park in Stafford County. (Photo courtesy of Mike Stribling)
The Fredericksburg Basketball Officials Association managed the tournament in its entirety, with referees Vincent White and Tyray Cooper officiating every game.
Katrina Brooks of Stafford and Roxanne Simpson of Dumfries, handled registration. Every player was required to submit enrollment and waiver forms. Brooks has worked alongside Nelson since the event’s inception.
“This was a great community event, and I like how it gave vendors opportunities to display their businesses,” Brooks said. “Everyone came together as one and hooped.”
Simpson, initially just an observer, joined the Hoop 4 Hope staff in 2018. She said she was intrigued by the way the event promoted unity.
“I loved the event,” she said. “The community came together, making it a great block party. Everything was peaceful and the event is for all ages.”
Notable vendors in attendance included Black Voters Matter, which is associated with the non-profit organization #Enough!, State Farm Insurance agent Michael C. Smith, Rhonda Jackson, owner of I Got Your Flavor, and Nerdy Boxing Gym, among others.
Several activities were going on simultaneously with the basketball tournament, including moon bounces and water slides, music played by a DJ, and a 360-photo booth managed by John Bratcher and Daniel Davenport.
Volunteers passed out bookbags filled with school supplies. Spectators and participants were also rewarded with bowling gift cards, cash prizes for free throws and trophies to the tournament winners.
A smorgasbord of food was served to players and spectators, including hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, potato salad, green beans and baked beans.
Nelson’s barbershop provided free haircuts, courtesy of his brother, B.J. Thornlay, who also designed the event’s logo.
“My brother has done a good job with the resources he has for the event,” Thornlay said. “We like for people to get out, get to know each other, build relationships and potentially help each other outside of the event.”
Nelson teams with others in the barbering profession to make the event a success. Bratcher, owner of Slammin’ Cuts barbershop in Stafford, is the DJ each year.
Bratcher hired Nelson as a barber more than 15 years ago and the close friends have done business together ever since.
“I like the event. It’s good for the community and provides a positive hangout spot for the young boys and girls,” Bratcher said. “It was a good day overall.”
