Homeless Students Benefit from Old/New School Matchup

Shown L to R: is Lakesha Burton presenting the clebrity team golden basketball trophy to I'm A Star Executive Director Betty Burney as Jamaal Medley, William Ratley, Ronnie King, Travis Johnson, Marcel Robinson, Councilman Rahman Johnson, Councilman Terrance Freeman.

It was a packed house at the seventh annual Jacksonville Homeless Students Empowered through Leadership, Partnerships & Service (HELPS) Celebrity Basketball Game. Held at Paxon School for Advanced Studies, the teens from the I’m A Star Foundation organized the event, which raises money for homeless students in Duval County schools.  The event includes local “celebrities” challenging high school students in a game of basketball. On the sidelines are cheerleaders who delight the crowd.

The old school vs. new school match-up proved the senior players still have it as they conquered the young basketball players 63 to 58.

Currently, 3,203 students are living in shelters and hotels, or with relatives, or on the streets.  All proceeds from Jacksonville HELPS go towards student’s support such as rental deposits, medical fees, school uniforms, toiletries, food vouchers, bedding, sports equipment, school supplies, graduation, testing fees, plus more. STAR servant leaders will donate all proceeds to the Duval County School Board meeting in September.

“I’m tired; playing against these student athletes will wear you down. I’m in shape and played to the end. Tip my hat to the students and our cheer leaders,” said PR Maverick Charles Griggs. To make a donation to the wishlist visit: https://www.imastarfoundation.org/jacksonvillehelps.

 

 

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