Many athletes — especially star athletes — have personal charities that raise money for various causes. But it’s not often that a star athlete cuts a personal check for $1 million. Derrick Rose is that rare exception, donating $1 million to After School Matters, a non-profit out-of-school program that serves mostly minority and low-income teenagers in Chicago. The Chicago Bulls have been involved with After School Matters for many years, and Rose’s enormous contribution came after discussions between the star point guard and Bulls’ top brass about ways to impact the community:
“Over the years, I’ve often talked to Derrick, his family, and his management team about what is happening in Chicago, and it is clear that Derrick’s connection with this city is deep and personal. Through these conversations and his work with the Bulls Community Relations department, Derrick learned about After School Matters and the innovative work they do with Chicago’s teens. As someone who has seen Derrick grow as a player and a man, I couldn’t be more proud of his decision to support After School Matters in such an impactful way,” said Jerry Reinsdorf, Bulls Chairman.
“We work closely with our players to learn about what matters to them in the community. For Derrick, we know that issues affecting children are close to his heart. And when you talk to him now about his young son, it is apparent that helping young people is something that resonates with Derrick in a new way as a father,” said Michael Reinsdorf, Bulls President and COO. “The Bulls have a long history with After School Matters, and we are so pleased that Derrick has decided to support ASM and their mission of helping Chicago’s teens.”
Rose’s goal is to give back to the city that helped raise him:
“To have a strong community of people who believe in your potential can make all the difference in the world,” said Rose, a native of Englewood, who is a point guard for the Chicago Bulls. “So many people have invested in me and I want to do the same for Chicago’s teens.”
“My message to our kids is simple – you matter, you deserve every opportunity in life, and you can and should dream big because dreams can come true,” said Rose.
[NBA.com]
