MACOMB, IL – In partnership with the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), Western Illinois University Athletics is proud to announce the Hoops for Heroes Initiative. Each year, the OVC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosts an event in its community to raise funds to send a local military veteran, law enforcement, or first responder to the OVC basketball championship in Evansville, IN, in March 2026.
Every OVC institution works to recognize a local military veteran, law enforcement, or first responder to the OVC basketball championship in Evansville, IN, March 5-8, 2025. For those interested in nominating a local hero as this year's recipient, please use the form located on our website. The deadline to submit nominees is February 15, 2026. The nomination form can be found at goleathernecks.com
"We are excited to bring back the "Hotcakes for Heroes" fundraiser again this year, said Director of Athletics Paul A. Bubb. "It's a unique opportunity for our community to come together and show gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our nation and our local community. We invite everyone to join us as we rally to send a local hero to the OVC Tournament!"
On Saturday, January 31, WIU Athletics will host "Hotcakes for Heroes" from 11:00 am to 1:00pm in the East Gym of Western Hall. This breakfast will raise funds to send a deserving honoree from the Greater Macomb Area to the OVC Basketball Championship Tournament. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a pancake breakfast while contributing to a meaningful cause. Supplies needed for this event are being donated by Sodexo with all proceeds will going directly towards covering the expenses for a local veteran or first responder to attend the OVC Tournament.
"The support from our campus dining partner, Sodexo, is key and greatly appreciated," said Bubb. "Sodexo is a key part of what we are able to accomplish, not only with this event, but with the nutritional program for our student-athletes."
Details of the Event:
What: Hotcakes for Heroes Fundraiser
When: January 31, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Prior to Women's Basketball vs. UT Martin at 1 pm
Men's Basketball vs. UT Martin to follow at 3:30 pm
Where: East Arena of Western Hall
Tickets: $10 each for pancakes and a ticket to the games; $5 each for just pancakes. Attendees can purchase tickets for the "Hotcakes for Heroes" fundraiser in advance by going to LeatherneckTickets.com. Donations are also welcomed for those who may be unable to attend but wish to contribute to this worthy cause.
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