Over the past few years, we got to call Chicago home. And we took some time finding a group of people that we felt aligned with our heart, our passion, and our vision.
Before we dive into all that was done with Breakthrough Urban Ministries, we want to preface it by saying why we became such huge fans and admirers of the people and their hearts at Breakthrough. Our hope for ourselves is that we would simply “See”. It’s easy to turn a blind eye to all that is going on around us. We want to be people who not only “see” the injustices, but then also act. Which is exactly what Arloa Sutter and her staff do.
HOMECOURT AppearanceIn August of 2011, Kyle and Juliet attended Breakthrough’s outdoor summer hoops league. On Chicago’s West Side, Kyle signed several hundred autographs and provided much encouragement to the neighbors who are trying to tip their neighborhood back to one that is a great place for kids to grow up.
“Repair the Wall” Fundraising Event
In November of 2011, Klayton, Kyle and Juliet helped Breakthrough raise the money needed to repair the exterior bricks on their building that houses their youth development program. At the event Kyle had the chance his heart for city kids, his passion for Breakthrough, and his recent learning from a book, “Toxic Charity”. Over $116,000 was raised at the event.
SEER Shirts for Year End Giving Campaign!
In December of 2011, SEER Outfitters shipped a Free Shirt to every Breakthrough donor who invested $50 or more in Breakthrough’s mission during the month of December. During these tough economic times, Breakthrough wanted to say thank you to its donors for sticking with them. SEER was proud to be the vehicle to say “Thanks!”
Chicago Bulls Energizabulls Fitness CenterIn January of 2012, Kyle’s endorsement of Breakthrough paved the way for the Chicago Bulls to invest in Breakthrough as well. The Bulls built one of their “EnergizaBulls” fitness centers for the children in East Garfield Park. This investment of nearly $70,000 has allowed Breakthrough students to work out several times per week in a beautiful 1,000 sf workout center.
Jerseys/ Hoops League – Converse
In January 2012, KKF and Converse partnered to provide over 300 reversible mesh jerseys for boys/girls ages 8-18 to compete in Breakthrough HOOPS winter league in East Garfield Park. This donation allowed the league to stay affordable for Breakthrough to operate, and also made the league feel like the “BigTime”.
Academic Awards Night
In May 2012, Kyle showed support and encouragement for the Breakthrough students by attending their Academic Awards Night in East Garfield Park. Again, his presence was a huge encouragement to the students and placed great value on their academic achievements.
East Garfield Park Sports Festival Sponsorship – Hosted by BreakthroughKKF and Seer Outfitters donated over 500 pieces of SEER clothing used as prizes and incentives for children completing their “PasSport” at the festival. Over 375 children participated in introductory clinics in 15 sports. Throughout the day, parents could sign up their kids for neighborhood youth programs in East Garfield Park.
Jerseys/ HOMECOURT – Converse
Again in the summer of 2012, KKF partnered with Converse to provide 300 reversible mesh jerseys for boys/girls to compete in Breakthrough’s HOMECOURT outdoor summer league. The weekly program includes basketball games, grill out, art projects, and a bouncehouse. Over 400 local residents attend and crime in the area has decreased over 52% in the area since the league began.
SEER and KKF send Breakthrough students to academic/basketball campDuring the summer of 2012, 10 Breakthrough students were able to attend a 5 week academic/hoops camp called Swish Dreams. SEER provided complimentary shirts for people donating $15 or more to the project and raised almost $4,000 overall for the project.
“Stretch a dollar” video with Kyle and Juliet.
In February of 2012, Breakthrough highlighted this interview with Kyle and Juliet. In it, they talk about what’s important to them when considering giving to a cause. You can view it at : http://breakthrough.org/article/165/kyle-korver-endorses-breakthrough-as-funding-priority
Thanks for writing this all up Bill!
