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“The Rising Stars Foundation is one-of-a-kind. Its mission is based upon a sound educational philosophy that promotes the development of critical thinking and life skills as well as teaching the meaning of accountability, responsibility and integrity. Charitable contributions to Rising Stars assist the foundation in developing programs that address the academic needs of children and enhance their athletic ability and talent. Rising Stars serves families and communities with diverse backgrounds and varied socioeconomic levels. I cannot say enough about Rising Stars! I am proud to be a part of this outstanding organization.”
Althea Williams, mother of Jason Williams

“Over the years we have been fortunate to have a number of our players come from Rising Stars programs. Jason Williams is a perfect example of what this program stands for and what it does for kids. Rising Stars helps kids deal with peer pressure. Rising Stars provides a well- rounded background that helps children develop the strength and the ability to make the right decisions in life at a time when the wrong decisions can impact their lives. Congratulations on a great program and for what you do for kids.
Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University Men’s Basketball Team

“I have the greatest respect for what Rising Stars represents and how it continues to help young people throughout their lives. Rising Stars provides young men and women with a great experience to help in their growth and development into adulthood. The activities Rising Stars promotes create a balance between being a player, a student, and a well-rounded individual. It’s a pleasure for me to speak about this program and an honor to have my kids enrolled.”
Billy Donovan, Head Coach, Florida Gators Basketball Team

“I have worked with Rising Stars for over 20 years and have helped to develop it into a model that really works in guiding all children through the many obstacles they will face on their journey into adulthood. I strongly believe that “It takes a village to raise a child”, and I continue to work with Rising Stars to help every village make a difference in how every child will grow and develop into an adult.”
Tyrone Green, Director, For The Good of the Neighborhood

“I can define Rising Stars in one simple word, ”FUN !”. Kids enjoy being a part of Rising Stars, and they want to stay involved in its programs. That’s a very important thing to say at a time when kids are dropping out of to many programs. I enjoyed my stay in Rising Stars, and I am sure that any other kid would feel the same.”
Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls, 2006-2007 National Champion (MVP 2006)

“I was very fortunate to have Rising Stars as part of my life growing up. Rising Stars provided me with a vehicle that steered me away from a great deal of the troubles that I saw others succumb to that did not have a program like this in their lives. It helped me make the right decisions throughout grade school, high school and college. It has made a great difference in helping me to develop into the man I am today. Rising Stars continues to be a part of my life and I look forward to helping kids develop in life as I was helped.”
David Ryan, Former Rising Stars Whiz Kid,
Captain of Siena Basketball and current EuroPro

“Rising Stars gave me a chance to shine as a person and not just as a player. It helped me to reach my goal of attending Columbia University and to excel, both on and off the court. I can easily say that Rising Stars has been a significant part of my life growing up and that it continues to be. It has been my privilege to return each year and volunteer my time helping out kids as Rising Stars helped me. It is a program that can definitely make a difference for any kid. It did for me.”
Matt Preston, Captain, Columbia University Basketball Team, EuroPro

“I believe that the merits of a program begin with the quality and dedication of the people behind it. Over the years I have had the pleasure of getting to know Rising Stars from the inside out. Program Director Danny Gimpel’s work ethic, commitment to our youth, and moral fortitude make the program effective. Danny and the Rising Stars staff continue to teach boys the essential lessons important, not only in basketball, but in life. Those benefits
are the ones that I see helping boys grow into men. I am proud to be a supporter of the Rising Stars program.”
Harvey Sanders, Former CEO, Nautica