Most professional athletes start their own charity as a way to give back. Highlights of their work will show up in the news from time to time. This situation is different. Bucks legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is selling awards he earned while playing to raise money for his charity, Skyhook Foundation. https://twitter.com/FIREDUpWealth/status/1633700236848771077 Kareem’s selflessness shown by selling off championship trophies, rings, and other memorabilia will be used to provide educational opportunities for underprivileged youth.
Kareem’s Skyhook Foundation
Named after Kareem’s iconic shot, the Skyhook Foundation was founded in 2009. Camp Skyhook partners with the Los Angeles Unified School District with the sole purpose to inspire students to dream big. Many of the students who attend Camp Skyhook come from culturally, racially and socio-economically diverse neighborhoods. Campers spend five days and four nights in the largest classroom, the great outdoors of Angeles National Forest. Campers get to immerse themselves into a curriculum developed by UCLA and NASA. This extensive hands-on curriculum allows students to be exposed to Science Technology Engineering Art and Mathematics (STEAM).
Education proves time and time again to be the biggest influence into changing ones socio-economic status. Investing in the education of youth goes beyond just each individual student. The educational investment into these students can be forwarded to their family, friends and the communities they live in.
Pawn Stars get in on the Bidding
The famous Gold and Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas which had a show the History channel even got a chance to acquire some of Kareem’s memorabilia. Watch the video. Skip to the 11 minute mark for the Kareem piece. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIlLHyoCWyM
Leaving a Legacy
Kareem will always be known as one of the best basketball players to ever play. However, Kareem wants to be known for more than just a basketball player. Kareem has said helping children is more important the “gazing at the sparkle of jewels or gold plating celebrating something I did a long time ago.” Additionally, Abdul-Jabbar said “I would see my legacy as being a success when the kids that we’re trying to reach end up with jobs as engineers, and scientists, and inventors. That’s going to make me feel good.”
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