Two years ago, David Schiller never shot more than 100 free throws in one setting. This year, he’s going to go for 1000. Again.

For the second year in a row, Schiller will make 1000 free throws to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Stroum Jewish Community Center. Schiller started the event after MS became very prevalent in the Schiller household. About nine years ago, his brother Mike was diagnosed with MS. A few years later, their dad was diagnosed with MS.

“Once that happened, we got very involved in the MS walk in Husky Stadium,” Schiller said. “We’d have one of the largest teams and we’d be one of the top teams with money raised every year.”

Last year, Schiller decided to do something different to raise awareness. Since basketball was a huge part of what they did growing up, he decided to shoot free throws for MS.

Schiller said it took him about four hours and 1600 attempts to make 1000 free throws last year. “I probably never shot more than 100 at once, it was pretty much cold turkey last year,” he said. “I tried different approaches. I went through the whole regular routine to some catch-and-shoot, shot some left-handed to break things up a bit. I made the last one left-handed.”

This year, Schiller aims for more participation by trying to get others involved shooting free throws. There will be food and a raffle, and paper will be on the wall for people to keep a running total. Schiller will also try to best the time he took last year to make his shots. “I’ve got a different approach to get my accuracy where I want it to be and to do it a little bit quicker,” he said. “I have confidence the results will be better for my free throw percentage and for dollars and cents raised for MS as well.”

Schiller said the event raised over $3000 last year. He hopes to raise $3500 this year, and he said over $2000 has already been raised. Money raised goes toward MS research and assisting people diagnosed with MS.

Since he was diagnosed, Schiller said his brother Mike has been doing well.

“Mike made the decision from day one that he was going to live his life the best way he can every single day. He might make an adjustment here and there, but for the most part, he’s doing great. I think it’s symbolic of Mike and his family, making the best of a bad situation.”

Schiller said he and his brother still follow basketball, primarily through Mike’s son Marcus, whom is a member of the MIHS freshman basketball team.

When asked if his Free Throws for MS is becoming an annual event, Schiller said he sees himself doing it as long as there is a cause.

“As long as I’m able to do it, and as long as we have the support of friends and family, and we get the message out there and continue to raise money, I’m going to continue to do it.”

For more information, visit David Schiller’s Free Throws for MS web page.