Downtown resident Philip Allen, left, and Donivan Brown are planning the Hoops 4 Hope fundraiser as they train to slam dunk by the end of July. Photo by Katy Mena
Friends Donivan Brown and Phillip Allen are turning their athletic ambitions to be able to slam dunk by July 1 into a philanthropic endeavor to raise funds for Christian-based community development program Hope for the Inner City.
They are planning their grassroots fundraiser, Hoops 4 Hope, to take place July 25.
“People started to get really interested in our (efforts to get in shape),” said Brown. “I thought maybe this could be something bigger than guys trying to dunk by a certain date. Maybe we could help other people.”
A parishioner at New City Fellowship in Glenwood, Brown said he was inspired to focus fundraising efforts on Hope for the Inner City in part because the organization is closely associated with his church.
“It’s something that’s close to me,” said Brown of the organization, which does much to develop the individual potential of inner-city youth. “I believe in their vision.”
Though the young men are still in the planning process of the fundraiser, they have outlined the components of the July 25 events, which will be held at different community centers around the city. According to Brown, the events will include athletic competitions, nutrition seminars and finally a showcase of the guys’ dunking abilities.
However, Brown and Allen point out that it is the work that they hope to highlight rather than the final dunks.
“The biggest thing is not being able to dunk, but actually going after the goal...taking initiative for your own life,” said Allen, who added that he has noticed significant changes in his physical fitness since he started training for the big dunk.
“I feel a lot better. I’m eating healthier,” said Allen. “I have a lot more energy.”
Allen and Brown are currently seeking volunteers to help spread their message of success through hard work and determination by lending time or funding to the project. To get involved, call Paul Green with Hope for the Inner City at 544-2639.
