If you were watching the pre-game coverage for the Final Four, you may have seen the story about Austin Gutwein, a teenager who founded Hoops of Hope. Hoops of Hope is his organization that raises money to help kids in Africa who have been orphaned. What an inspiring personal achievement story.

The other day I wrote a post about empathy. Let me update an example for that definition with Austin Gutwein. He is showing an uncanny understanding for the situation thousands of orphaned kids in Africa are experiencing. He is said to have always been a compassionate kid. When his family lived in California, they were members of Saddleback Christian, the church ministered by Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life). Maybe it was here where Austin picked up the aspiration of doing great things.

Great things are happening for Hoops of Hope. The organization has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars that have helped build schools and most recently medical labs in Africa. It all is a result of a young teenager who just had to do something, as he said, when learning of the tragic losses other kids were experiencing. Austin and his family live in Phoenix. Having taught 8th grade for many years and coached youth basketball as well, I look forward to helping in a future Hoops of Hope event!

I said previously that the simple show of empathy can and does have far reaching effects. Take a moment and watch this short video about the organization’s goal and hear from Austin himself. He’s wise beyond his years.