Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q announced it will offer lunch to players who sign up for the 2013 HoopsFest event in Raleigh, North Carolina, at North Hills on October 19.

HoopsFest is an annual three-on-three basketball exhibition that raises funds for the Healing Place of Wake County, a non-profit recovery and rehabilitation facility for homeless individuals with alcohol and drug dependency. Founded in 2010 by former North Carolina State University basketball player Chris Corchiani and current board of directors member Tom Bonfield, the facility offers a long-term, peer-oriented recovery program where 70 percent of the graduates remain sober one year after completion. The 2012 HoopsFest event raised more than $50,000, funding more than 90,000 beds of shelter for men and women.

Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q contributes regularly to non-profit organizations that support the local communities that its restaurant brand serves.

“HoopsFest is an annual fundraising event that we are proud to be part of,” says Richard Averitte, vice president of operations for Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. “By providing lunch, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q will help offset the event costs, so more funds are available to put toward the Healing Place of Wake County, an organization that is doing an excellent job in our community.”

“While the Healing Place of Wake County operates under a ‘hand up, rather than hand out’ philosophy, we so appreciate this particular hand out from Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q,” says Dennis Parnell, president and CEO of the Healing Place of Wake County. “I’m excited to invite people out to join us on October 19 at North Hills for some three-on-three championship basketball and delicious food.”