Golden State Warriors guard/forward Stephen Jackson is launching his charitable foundation, the Jack 1 Foundation, with a series of community outreach events in his hometown of Port Arthur, TX, from August 20-22, it was announced today. The mission of the Jack 1 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to provide community initiatives focusing on youth development and empowerment regardless of economic status.
"I am extremely pleased to launch the Jack 1 Foundation, and I'm very happy that the kick-off events are happening in my beloved hometown of Port Arthur,"
said Jackson. "Giving back to the community is something that I have believed in strongly throughout my entire NBA career. I feel blessed to be in a position where I can start my own charitable foundation that allows me to work more closely with deserving community groups both here in Port Arthur and my adopted home in the Bay Area."
Jackson, who was acquired by the Warriors in January of 2007, has received several honors for his community outreach since arriving in the Bay Area - including the Warriors' 2007-08 Angela & Christopher Cohan Community Service Award, as well as the NBA's Community Assist Award for the month of March, 2008.
Here is a list of events surrounding the launch of the Jack 1 Foundation:
STEPHEN JACKSON ACADEMY RIBBON CUTTING - Wednesday, August 20, 2:00 pm: The Stephen Jackson Academy of Art, Science and Technology (235 Proctor Street, Port Arthur, TX) will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to signify the academy's grand re-opening with after school programs this fall. The Stephen Jackson Academy was originally started in 2007 with the hope of preparing the students to be highly successful individuals who make a difference in the lives of others. Port Arthur Mayor Bobbie Prince and members of the Chamber of Commerce will also take part in the ceremony, which will be emceed by Deedra Wilson, a news anchor at KBMT television in Beaumont, TX. Additionally, Jackson will donate school supplies to 150 students (ages 6-12) from the Port Arthur area.
JACK 1 FOUNDATION TIP-OFF DINNER - Thursday, August 21, 7:00 pm: Stephen Jackson will be joined by high-profile athletes and celebrities, as well as State and City officials at the Jack 1 Foundation Tip-Off Dinner at Suga's Deep South Restaurant (461 Bowie Street, Beaumont, TX 77701). In addition to dinner, guests will have the opportunity to bid on great prize packages during a silent auction, with all proceeds going to the Jack 1 Foundation. Additionally, there will be a presentation featuring Jackson's past community work and highlighting the goals of his newly launched foundation. Tickets to the dinner are available, for a $150 tax-deductible donation to the Jack 1 Foundation.
STEPHEN JACKSON BASKETBALL CAMP - Thursday & Friday, August 21-22: Stephen Jackson will hold a two-day basketball camp for children, ages 8-18, at the Nederland Recreation Center (2301 Avenue H, Nederland, TX 77627), focusing on fundamental basketball skills as well as teaching the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Jackson has called upon some of his NBA friends to make visits at the camp and offer their expertise to the children in attendance. Although enrollment is limited, there is space available and parents may enroll their children in the camp, for a $100 tax-deductible donation to the Jack 1 Foundation.
Those interested in more information about these events, including tickets to the Tip-Off Dinner and enrollment in the Basketball Camp, should call (409) 549-5514.
