Chicago Bulls PG Derrick Rose donates $1 million to after-school programs
Oct 3, 2014, 11:55 PM | Updated: Oct 4, 2014, 1:37 am
One of the highest-anticipated storylines of the 2014-15 NBA season is the impeding return of superstar Derrick Rose.
But before Rose steps back onto an NBA court, he is helping out teens of Chicago — his hometown — by donating $1 million to After School Matters, according to the Bulls’ website.
After School Matters is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide out-of-school programs for teenagers, especially minorities and those living at or below the poverty level.
The funds will go toward creating programs for teens in a variety of areas, including arts, sports, science and communications. These programs will give the teenagers skills to help them in work and in college.
“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.
After School Matters has been around for over two decades, and the Bulls have been a supporter for a long time.
If Rose’s return to the NBA is anything like his off-court actions, basketball fans will be in for a real treat this year.