The other day, I was asked this question “Why are you still giving a free Sports Clinic after 27 years?” and this led me to the following unselfish response. Back in 1984 when I was just completing my Professional NBA experience with the Los Angeles Lakers, but still playing basketball in the European Pro League. I had a strong feeling of providing a positive service to my own community, because there were so many other youth that would never have an opportunity to get out of the area unless they had strong positive influences and special training. Therefore by being a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a strong background in Physical Education, I decided to begin youth training with the help of LeRoi Johnson and Bernard Mitchell. Who were two very close friends that made this endeavor a reality. For the first few years this program was completely funded out of my own pocket. We set out to touch the youth of Buffalo of all racial backgrounds that would normally be excluded from this type of program due to their families’ poor financial status. It was a success, because basketball was a tool that brought youth in and then once we had them we began to overall uplift them with knowledge and self esteem, which reduces juvenile delinquency.

As the years went by, we began to attract a few sponsors who also had the same ideas of community service. This led to our expansion in other areas. We now offer computer & Internet workshops to help bridge the digital gap. We now give away through our Gear Up A Youth Program an average of 20 computers a year to children in need of these units in their homes! We have developed an internship program in which our younger staff members who have matured within our programs may now become instructors and give back to their younger peers through instruction. We also provide workshops in Spanish, Arabic, academic enrichment, social behavior, crime prevention, financial management, healthy lifestyles and college preparation along with math and science competitions!  The development of new sports such as track, golf, chess, soccer, crew, volleyball, football, tennis, and tap dance have now become a part of our summer and after school programming given at various locations FREE throughout Western New York. As the Clinic grew I had to grow, therefore I went back to school and obtained a Masters Degree in Sports Administration from Wayne State University. This now led me to incorporating the Clinic and making it a 501 c3 not –for-profit organization registered with the New York Charity Bureau.  The formation of a Youth Advisory Board, along with being placed on the United Way General Campaign Donor Choice Program, Combined Federal Campaign, and State Employee Federated Appeal list. We also have created a strong partnership with Verizon, which lets its companies volunteers have their volunteer hours and financial contributions matched. Currently, I’m teaching and coaching in the Buffalo Public School System and still reaching out helping children in need. Within the last few years I’ve been honored with the Father Baker Award, Black Achievers in Industry Award, Westside Rowing Club Community Services Award, Buffalo Masters outstanding Contributor Award.  The National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York Award, inducted into the Buffalo Inner City Athletic Educational Association Hall of Fame, and the key to the City with January 22, being named the Willie Hutch Jones Day! We have taken major strides in our 27 years of community service, but we still need your financial support for our continued success.