Dwyane Wade to join Marquette in support of scholarships for Boys & Girls Club of America youth leaders

Event Information

Date: Friday, Aug. 21, 2009

Time: noon – 1:30 p.m.; program at 12:45 p.m.

Basketball clinic at 1:30 p.m.

Place: Al McGuire Center, 770 N. 12th St.

Wade’s World Foundation, a nonprofit established by NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade, will conduct a basketball clinic with 50 members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Friday, Aug. 21, in conjunction with the former Marquette basketball star’s support for a new partnership between the university and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), one of the nation’s largest youth development organizations, last month announced a national partnership with Marquette. Marquette will provide up to three full-tuition scholarships annually to winners of BGCA’s Youth of the Year program, which recognizes exceptional Boys & Girls Club members.

The Wade’s World Foundation provides support to community-based organizations that promote education, health and social skills for children in underserved communities. “The Boys & Girls Clubs and my foundation both seek to provide youths with hope, opportunity and motivation,” Wade said. “I know what a difference education – and especially Marquette – made in my life. Basketball was my entry point; the Boys & Girls Clubs help youths find and develop their own special talents. Marquette is a place that I know will help them develop even further, so they can be leaders in their communities and make a difference in our world.”

Wade, a member of Marquette’s 2003 Final Four team, said he expects to be a champion for the Marquette/BGCA partnership by promoting it among prospective students and benefactors.

Media are welcome to hear Wade discuss his support for the Marquette/BGCA partnership in remarks at the luncheon Aug. 21, occurring in advance of the clinic. The program will begin at 12:45 p.m. in the main court of the Al McGuire Center, 770 N. 12th St. Wade will address the media and take questions immediately following the luncheon for a few minutes, and media can watch him in action during the clinic with members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. Short one-on-one interviews can be accommodated following the clinic; call Scott Kuykendall at 414-288-4794 to schedule.

About Wade’s World Foundation

In 2003, Wade’s World Foundation was created to provide support to various educational, health and family service programs - in particular those that benefit underserved communities. Wade and his family have been dedicated to giving back to the Chicago-area and South Florida communities through a variety of community outreach programs and events. Wade’s World Weekend (in Chicago) and The Summer Groove (in Miami) are two flagship fundraising events where monies are distributed to their respective communities supporting initiatives such as, crime/violence prevention and educational enrichment programs for youth.  More information can be found by visiting wadesworldfoundation.org.

Contact: Tragil Wade, President

Phone: 786-376-5093

About Marquette University

As Wisconsin’s largest private university, Marquette offers endless opportunities: the chance to live, study and play in the heart of a dynamic city; nationally known programs and powerhouse faculty; a Catholic, Jesuit tradition that emphasizes ethics and lifelong values. For more than 125 years, we have inspired students to Be The Difference in their professional and personal lives. Our students tell us that a Marquette education is worth the investment, and we’re proud to be one of the lowest-cost private colleges among U.S. News and World Report’s top 100 national universities. More than 11,500 students come from all 50 states and more than 75 countries to explore options ranging from intense undergraduate studies to specialized graduate and professional programs. Log on to marquette.edu for more information.

Contact: Mary Pat Pfeil

Phone: 414-288-4719

Cell: 414-235-0063

marypat.pfeil@marquette.edu

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has helped kids "Be Great," providing hope and opportunity for those who need it most.  Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.5 million young people through Club membership and community outreach.  Known as The Positive Place for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs can be found throughout the country and on U.S. military bases worldwide, providing young people 6-18 years old with guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, professional staff. Clubs positively impact lives and help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens.  Key programs emphasize leadership development; education and career exploration; community service; technology training; financial literacy; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and family outreach. In a recent Harris Survey of Club alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives.  National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Visit bgca.org for more information

Contact:

Brian Hill

Phone: 404-487-5798

E-mail: bhill@BGCA.org