NBA star Derrick Rose donates $1 million to After School Matters program
Teens in Chicago’s After School Matters program will get a boost from the NBA’s Derrick Rose.
The MVP and three-time Chicago Bulls All-Star is donating $1 million to the Chicago-based non-profit organization which is devoted to providing “innovative out-of-school programs for teenagers.”
“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.”
The funds will be used to drive the growth of unique programming experiences for teenagers throughout the city in the arts, communications, science, sports and technology. Participants develop critical life skills to help them prepare for work, college and beyond. Last year the organization created thousands of opportunities for teens, all with stipends attached, according to E. Robbie Robinson, Vice Chair of After School Matters Board of Directors, Co-Chair of the organization’s 2014 Annual Gala, and a Managing Director at Chicago-based BDT & Company.
Chicago’s former First Lady, Maggie Daley, found After School Matters more than two decades ago. Since then, it has served more than 200,000 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.
Kudos to Rose for investing in the lives of the youth of Chicago.
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