Fatima Family Center Thanksgiving Featuring Retired Pro Basketball Players Fatima Family Center 6600 Lexington - Hough, Cleveland November 26, 2024
The Fatima Family Center serves Cleveland's Hough community by providing events, recreational and educational opportunities, and supportive services for youth, families, adults and seniors. A staple of the Hough community, (it's right across from historic League Park at 6600 Lexington) Fatima Family Center offers programs and services for all ages and all members of the community. Originally established in 1973 as a pastoral counseling and outreach ministry of Our Lady of Fatima parish, Fatima Family Center prominently anchors the Hough community with a 26,000 square foot facility developed by Catholic Charities and dedicated in 2000. In 2002, Fatima was recognized by the Annie E. Casey Foundation as one of the top five family centers in the United States.
Among its many services for the community they hosted a Thanksgiving turkey and groceries giveaway on Tuesday November 26, 2024. We spoke with Fatima Family Center Director LaJean Ray who explained the center and the special day.
Volunteer with Director LaJean Ray
Watch the video.
In addition there were volunteers from East Tech HS in Cleveland. Lt. Colonel (ret) Oran William Sr. from East Tech HS brought a crew of young people to volunteer. MSgt. Harris Daniels III from East Tech HS Air Force AFROTC program had some of the young people line up at attention and perform a drill.
East Tech HS Air Force AFROTC students
East Tech HS Air Force AFROTC students and Lt. Col. Oran William Sr.
Watch a short video of the East Tech HS volunteers.
What made the event extra special was the partnership with the Cleveland Chapter of the National Basketball Retired Players Association Everyone was excited to see the retired basketball stars helping out. And they weren't just there for photo ops or window dressing - they worked!
Posing with Greg Bell, Derick Polk, Campy Russell and Manny Leaks
Campy Russell volunteering
Greg Bell
Campy Russell, Lawrence Boston and Derick Polk unloading turkeys
Lawrence Boston, Derick Polk and Campy Russell unloading turkeys
We spoke with several of the stars starting with Manny Leaks, VP of the Cleveland Chapter of the National Basketball Retired Players Association. (Jim Chones is president.) The 6'9" Manny Leaks played for East HS in Cleveland and then Niagara University before playing in the ABA (with Dr. J and other legends!) before his time in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers and Capital Bullets.
Next we spoke with the legendary Campy Russell. Campy was an All-American in college and an All Star in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Campy has always been a fan favorite and in 2022 he was honored with a spot on the Cavaliers Wall of Honor.
Next we spoke with Greg Bell who played at Shaw HS in East Cleveland and later played with the iconic Harlem Globetrotters. #47 for the Globetrotters founded Bell Sports Foundation in 2011 to "Inspire Youth through Sports" and build and enrich communities and lives of individuals by providing a safe, welcoming and rewarding environment for all participants, at all levels of wellness and recreation. Greg Bell has been selected to the American Basketball Hall of Fame, Class of 2024. He currently runs FUNdamental Basketball skills with G. Bell.
Next we spoke with the 7' Derick Polk who started at Cleveland Central Catholic High School and later played for Ohio State University, facing off against legends like Michael Jordan. His career spanned international leagues, the CBA, and the Harlem Globetrotters, where he earned the nickname "Seven." He currently runs Derick Polk Sports which is dedicated to youth development by "harnessing the power of sports to shape lives, instill core values, and foster personal growth. Through character building, teamwork, and self-confidence, we empower the next generation to reach their full potential. Join us in inspiring and uplifting the next generation."
Finally we spoke with Lawrence Boston who started at John F. Kennedy HS in Cleveland. After starring at Maryland he was selected by the Washington Bullets as the 81st overall pick of the 1978 NBA draft. He was also under contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers in September 1979, but did not play in the NBA for them. He then played professionally in several countries in Europe for over a decade.
Lawrence Boston
Giving their time and effort to help the community makes all of these former players all-stars. Watch the video of their remarks.
Here are a few other images from the Fatima Family Center event.
Campy Russell, Derick Polk, Lawrence Boston and Manny Leaks with Dan Hanson who was feeling short
Fatima Family Center Director LaJean Ray
East Tech HS volunteers
Fatima Family Center volunteers
Campy Russell, Dan Hanson and Manny Leaks
Here is an all-in-one video that includes the three videos above.
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