State Honoree

Cayman Jarvis, 17, of Bargersville, Ind., a junior at Center Grove High School, raised nearly $100,000 over the past seven years to buy toys for hospitalized children by organizing an annual basketball tournament in front of his house. While visiting his friend Tyler at Riley Hospital for Children, Cayman, then only 9 years old, noticed that most of the toys for young patients were broken or missing parts. "It was then I realized I wanted to donate toys to the hospital," he said. "It is very important to me that while patients are in the hospital, they need an escape."

Cayman set out to recruit friends to play in a "3 on 3" basketball tournament in his driveway and dedicated the event to Riley patients. He solicited sponsorships from local businesses and organizations and then, donated all of the proceeds to the Riley's Cheer Guild to purchase hospital toys. This annual event has since grown to the point where it draws more than 100 young basketball players, requires two streets to be blocked off, and produces tens of thousands of dollars in donations. With support from his parents, Cayman makes speeches and presentations to schools, civic organizations and businesses, recruits players, and coordinates the tournament logistics. Tragically, Tyler lost his battle with leukemia, but he continues to inspire Cayman's efforts on behalf of pediatric patients. "I love being able to put smiles on those patients' faces," said Cayman.