MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- In conjunction with the Isabella County Commission on Aging, the Central Michigan women's basketball program made a special presentation on Wednesday.

The Chippewas were awarded a $500 prize for claiming the victory in the NCAA's "Pack the House" competition as representatives of the Mid-American Conference.

CMU chose to donate the prize to the local program that focuses on assisting individuals who are 60 years or older to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives.

"Winning the Pack the house award each year has allowed us to give back to the various agencies in our community," said head coach Sue Guevara. "The Commission on Aging is a wonderful group that helps so many of our older adults in the Mid-Michigan area. This group has been supportive of our program and I look forward to continued involvement with them in the future."

The Chippewas claimed the prize by drawing 4,296 fans to their season opener against Northwestern. Mid-Michigan elementary and middle schools were invited to attend the game as part of CMU's "Hoops for Hunger" promotion. Through Hoops for Hunger the Maroon and Gold raised 51,000 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

The program was created to not only show the children an exciting afternoon of women's basketball, but also as to expose them to the rising problem of hunger in their own backyard.