Help the Family Behind the Viral Blocked Shot

What started out as a viral sensation starring basketball star Caitlin Clark and a 7 year old boy uncovered a heartwarming story of a single father providing for his children. Since the video of this blocked shot took the nation by storm, I’ve fielded countless inbound calls, texts and emails from fellow employees, friends and business associates asking how they could help support this family.

In case you missed it, the story behind the story is that Group 1001, parent company to Gainbridge, hosted a kickoff event for our employee volunteerism initiative, “1001 Hours of Impact,” which featured a Wall Build with Habitat for Humanity of Boone County to benefit the Krost Family – namely father, Dusten, and his three children. Our Gainbridge brand ambassador Caitlin Clark was there, too, and I watched 7-year-old Eli and Caitlin immediately connect over the game of basketball. Eli challenged her to a game of 1-on-1 on a backboard constructed by our employees, which we gifted to the family.

From the start of that game, Caitlin wasn't letting him off easy - blocking his shot in a light-hearted way in a moment went viral on social media. The next day the IndyStar wrote an amazing article about the family and the struggles they've been through, which once I posted it on LinkedIn produced overwhelming outreach from people wanting to help!

So, with Dusten's permission, I'm creating this page to help the family transition to their new home, which is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2024! They've waited over two years for this forever home and have bounced through different temporary apartments, homes and trailers since 2021. The money raised will be used primarily to provide new furniture to outfit the home, which we estimate will run about $10,000. Any funds above and beyond what is needed to furnish the home will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of Boone County to help local families just like the Krosts.

Although she is not involved with this private fundraiser, donations of $2.20, $22, $220 would pay special tribute to Caitlin and the impact she is already making in the greater Indianapolis community. Thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity.

Mike