The NBA All-Star 2021 Host Committee has awarded 21 organizations with an All-Star Legacy Grant, the $1 million initiative focused on youth-serving non-profit organizations across Indiana. In connection with NBA All-Star 2021 in Indianapolis next February, the initiative provides grants up to $50,000 for each of the selected 21 brick-and-mortar projects focused on health and wellness or education. The 21 projects will impact an estimated 90,000 youth statewide.
The NBA All-Star 2021 Legacy Committee was tasked to create a meaningful grant opportunity to leave a legacy long after the game is played. The Committee, led by NBA All-Star 2021 Host Committee Board Co-Chairs Tamika Catchings and Rafael Sanchez, launched the initiative in October 2019.
The 21 grantees, representing 18 counties, were chosen from 182 applicants from across Indiana.
As a recipient of the grant, the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville (BGCN) will construct a new outdoor space that promotes a sense of community. The new court will be primarily used for basketball and will be used for pickleball, fitness classes and recreational games, as well.
“The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville is thrilled to have been selected to receive an NBA All-Star 2021 Legacy Grant that will combine our mantra of ‘Great Futures Start HERE’ with the All-Star Legacy initiative ‘We Grow Basketball Here’ in an effort to positively impact the lives of local youth through the state’s legendary pastime of basketball!” said BGCN Executive Director Becky Terry.
“We had an overwhelmingly positive response statewide to the grant applications,” said Rick Fuson, Founding Chairman, All-Star Board of Directors and President and Chief Operating Officer, Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “Narrowing the list to 21 grant recipients involved considerable review and discussion by our Legacy Committee. They had to make tough choices amongst a pool of incredibly strong and impactful grant requests.”
Factors closely examined included clear project objectives, funding and budget information, identified partners, number of people served and a demonstrated need. The committee worked to identify 21 grantees who represent diversity of audience served, project type, and geographic range. Many of the grantees also have secured matching funds which will further the impact of their project. The 21 projects will be constructed and completed before the tip of NBA All-Star 2021.
“As we look forward to our 70th NBA All-Star Game in 2021, there is no better way to recognize this milestone than through the legacy initiative,” Todd Jacobson, NBA Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility, added. “We look forward to celebrating the work these 21 organizations do each day to help make communities across Indiana stronger.”
Next, the Legacy Grantees will nominate three high school-aged Rising Stars for their project who are members of the class of 2021. From these nominees, the Legacy Committee will select 21 Rising Stars, one per project, who will serve as honorary chairs for their respective Legacy Grantee. During NBA All-Star 2021, the Legacy Committee will invite the 21 Rising Stars to Indianapolis to participate throughout the weekend and be recognized for their efforts, including through a corresponding scholarship program.
The 70th NBA All-Star Game will take place at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Feb. 14, 2021. For general information about NBA All-Star 2021, please visit pacers.com/allstar2021.
About BGCN
The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville provides high-quality, low-cost programs for youth members with the help of donors and sponsors. Between the Club, the Community Center and Camp Crosser, BGCN provides opportunities for members to enjoy activities and experiences that help shape character and offer new perspectives. BGCN is dedicated to inspiring and enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens by promoting leadership, character, health and physical development.