NBA superstar Derrick Rose wants the kids of Chicago to know they matter. With issues that affect children being so close to his heart, and with raising his own son now (born in 2012), Derrick has been greatly inspired to give back. He is donating $1 million to the non-profit organization, After School Matters.
The Chicago native released a statement announcing his donation. It read: “To have a strong community of people who believe in your potential can make all the difference in the world… So many people have invested in me and I want to do the same for Chicago’s teens.” He added, “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.”
After School Matters (ASM) is a Chicago-based organization that offers innovative extra-curricular activities within the fields of science, tech, sports, and words. The vision of the non-profit is to help teens recognize their potential, and look forward to their futures. The programs are also designed to equip them with critical skills, and prepare them for the workforce.
The organization has been supported by the Bulls for some time, but this million will be coming directly from Derrick. “He reached out,” confirmed E. Robbie Robinson, vice chair of ASM.
President of the bulls, Michael Reinsdorf explained that his son likely played a role in his decision to donate. “When you talk to him now about his young son, it is apparent that helping young people is something that resonates with Derrick in a new way as a father.”
