Hillmen Foundation hosts second annual Kendall Kickoff on Dec. 26

The Hillmen Foundation invites Placer High alumni, fans, families and friends to join the second annual Kendall Kickoff celebration on Thursday, Dec. 26, from 5-8 p.m. at Crooked Lane Brewing Company in Auburn. The festive event celebrates the start of the 82nd annual Kendall Arnett Basketball Tournament at Placer High School before the Hillmen take the court at 8 p.m. In addition to celebrating this historic tournament, the evening coincides with Crooked Lane's popular trivia night, offering a lively way to engage with the community while supporting the Hillmen Foundation's mission to enrich academics, activities and athletics at Placer High School. Crooked Lane Brewing Company is located at 536 Grass Valley Highway in Auburn. Guests unable to attend the evening event can still make an impact by visiting Crooked Lane anytime on Dec. 26. Mention the Hillmen Foundation or Placer High School when placing an order, and a portion of the proceeds will directly benefit Placer High. "At 82 years, the Kendall Arnett Basketball Tournament is one of the oldest high school athletic events in California and a showcase for both the school and our Auburn community," said Shana Fain McDonald, chair of the Hillmen Foundation. "Our Kendall Kickoff is a fun way to gather as a community during the holidays, celebrate our Placer High traditions and support the students and programs that make Placer High and our town special." To make the evening even more impactful, all donations to the Hillmen Foundation made through Dec. 31 will be matched up to $5,000, doubling the impact of every dollar. Donations can be made at the Kendall Kickoff event, online at hillmenfoundation.org/donate or by mail to the Hillmen Foundation at P.O. Box 6115, Auburn, CA 95604. For more information, visit hillmenfoundation.org/events. The Hillmen Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing academics, activities and athletics at Placer High School. Managed by an all-volunteer board of directors, 100 percent of funds raised directly support its mission. Since its founding in 1989 by Placer legends Jug Covich and Tom Johnson, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants and scholarships to benefit Placer High students and the Auburn community.