COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Mizzou Men's and Women's Basketball programs hosted the annual Hoops for a Cause event at Mizzou Arena on Wednesday night and raised more than $160,000 for the local Boys & Girls Club. The event is part of a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Columbia to help fund programs for the non-profit organization.

Both Mizzou women's and men's basketball teams were in attendance, along with supporters, community members, and kids from the local Boys & Girls club.

Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Columbia, Valerie Livingston, said the event helps raise money to fund youth programs, operations, and transportation for more than 1,000 kids in the Columbia area. According to Livingston, this event is by far the largest and raises the most money of the three events the non-profit puts on each year.

"It's a very unique partnership that I think is a win-win for everyone, and it's a win for the community too," Livingston said. "People come out to attend because they are Mizzou fans and they want to see the players and they want to hear from the coaches because it's about that time of year. But it also introduces them to the Boys & Girls Club. The kids at our chapter need support so that they can make it to the level of Mizzou's student-athletes, achieve goals and attend college. So, it truly is a win-win partnership opportunity with the Mizzou Basketball programs."

The program kicked off with videos highlighting the Boys & Girls Club followed by interviews with players and coaches. Additionally, a live auction was held to garner donations, culminating with the $160,000 raised.

The event provided an opportunity for children from the Boys & Girls Club of Columbia to attend and spend quality time with Mizzou student athletes from the men's and women's basketball programs.

"Growing up I practiced at a local Boys & Girls Club so I was around it a lot and it's just awesome to be able to give back," senior Kevin Puryear said.

For Columbia native and senior standout Sophie Cunningham, Hoops for a Cause hits close to home.

"Just from being (from) here, it just means more to me," Cunningham said. "Knowing all these kids personally and their families it's really cool. The kids are looking up to us because that's who we were when we were younger. For us to put it on here at Mizzou Arena, I think it's really cool for the kids to experience it."

For all the latest on Mizzou's Basketball programs, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the teams on social media @MizzouHoops & @MizzouWBB.