CUMMING, GA –Kelsey Hirsch is a student-athlete with a philanthropic heart.

The South Forsyth High product is the brainchild and founder behind the Bands 4 RAINN project. This organization is focused on helping end sexual abuse and providing a voice for the voiceless.

Her mission is to raise money for the cause has trickled over onto the hardwood. On Monday, April 14, the inaugural WarEagles4RAINN Hoops4Hope 3-on-3 Tournament will be held at South Forsyth High School. The tournament will go from 6 pm to 9 pm before a champion is crowned. If you are interested in playing visit www.wareagles4rainn.org 

“I am so excited for the support we are getting,” said Hirsch, who plays on the basketball team at South and has trained at Suwanee Sports Academy. “I know it is going to be a success.”

Hirsch’s outlook on the opportunity to help others and building something bigger than herself is the reason has been the focal point since January 2012.

Two years ago, while the family lived in Pennsylvania, the world learned of the sexual scandal of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. Hirsh’s parents talked to her about it about what was being reported.

In 2011, after a two-year investigation, Sandusky was charged with 52 counts of sexual abuse of young boys over a 15-year period. A year later, he was found guilty of 45 of the 48 remaining charges. He has been sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison.

“When they told me I thought if that ever happened to me, I would not be comfortable in my own skin,” she said. “I would want to help the people who have been through that and are still going through it.”

“The key to our situation was that we didn’t pull any punches,” Charles Hirsch said. “We explained what was being alleged and what was going on and what she should be looking for in anyone came and did those things to her. In talking to RAINN and other advocate groups they said is was the absolute thing they would suggest.”

What happen next surprised the family.

“She said she wanted to help the victims,” Charles Hirsch said.

Like many parents they thought this would be a small project for their child. They searched for the information on RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network), which is the largest charity in the country that works with victims who are survivors. They also found information on how to get the bands made and with a small goal of raising $100 has turned into something a whole lot bigger.

In the last two years, Bands4RAINN has raised more than $20,000 for the organization.

Her parents thought this would be something small and it would run its course after a while.

“We thought we would sell a few bands and be done with is,” her father said. “Two years later, she’s not done with it. This is just another side of her.”

The reason the Sandusky case hit close to home was due in large part that Mr. and Mrs. Hirsch are Penn State University graduates. They were frustrated that their school was being ridiculed because of the acts of one individual.

“As an alum this person who has been accused and convicted of this crime being attributed to a university that has done so many things, even in a philanthropic sector,” Mr. Hirsch said. “Those examples get lost in the negative stories. Her perspective is that we need to focus on the victims because those are the ones who are really hurting. She is focused on being the voice for the people who are too afraid to speak.”

Kelsey has had several people reach out to her via Facebook and email thanking her for the passion.

While this basketball event is another way to raise awareness and money, her goal is bigger than that moving forward and has a message for the victims.

“It is to see every person walking by wearing a band,” she said. “I also want to work for RAINN. I want to tell them when they are ready to talk they can talk and get the help they need.

“It will change their life for the better.”