Don’t get us wrong, we love working with kids. It’s what we do at Triple Threat.
But every once in a while, we hang out with grown-ups. Here’s a few photos of a recent visitor to our office, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
Durbin, one of the highest ranking senators in the nation, was in Aurora early this spring with Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner. Our executive director, Caleb Luper, met briefly to talk with Sen. Durbin about what Triple Threat does and the impact we have on under-resourced youth in Aurora.
Jaylin Fleming knows a thing or two about hard work.
Not only has he cemented his place as the top 11-year-old basketball player in the nation, but he’s done so while also balancing an emerging acting career and his schoolwork. Jaylin showcased a little of all his skills with Triple Threat in April at Doolittle Elementary in Chicago.
A group of more than 30 elementary-aged kids watched Jaylin’s now-famous basketball moves and also asked him questions about his personal life.
Jaylin emphasized that he got where he is today through hard work and dedication. He told students to respect their parents, pursue their dreams and put their schoolwork ahead of all else.
We’ll be working more with Jaylin in the future, so be on the lookout for more out of this awesome young man. Also, check out this news piece WGN did on Jaylin when he was out with Triple Threat at Doolittle!
Our partners at the North Aurora JC Penney have worked hard to help raise funds for Triple Threat programs through JC Penney After School Round Up events. This past week Triple Threat received a generous Round Up donation that will go a long way in empowering under-resourced youth through programs in Athletics, Academics and Arts. Thanks JC Penney for giving back to your community!
Also, a big thank you to all of our friends locally who went out and shopped at JC Penny during the Round Up events!
Try another Nike event two days later, complete with a star-studded cast and a fundraiser for Triple Threat! We’re blessed at Triple Threat to have such wonderful partners and friends at Nike. In late February, they held a Black History Month event at SuccezZ, an upscale shoe shop and clothing store owned by former NBA standout Bobby Simmons. The event featured nationally known writer and activist Scoop Jackson, General Manager of Nike’s Central Territory Reg Hamlett, renowned spoken word artist, activist and musician Malik Yusef, and Simmons.
At the event, Nike highlighted the accomplishments of African-American athletes who have helped shape the history of sport. On top of that, they introduced new, limited edition shoes that were auctioned off on site. Nike is giving the proceeds of the auction — along with artwork that was auctioned-off — to Triple Threat.
Our executive director, Caleb Luper, also spoke to the crowd of more than 100 people about Triple Threat and the impact Nike’s partnership leaves in the communities we serve.
All in all, an awesome event. Can’t thank our Nike peeps enough!
A group of Nike employees and Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett showed what it takes. During the Nike/Triple Threat ‘Call to Greatness’ event, more than 30 corporate Nike employees and retail workers got their service on. Not only did the Nike crew fix up and paint Triple Threat’s future Chicago location, but they also spent time mentoring Aurora and Chicago youth during the Black History Month event.
Their day of service epitomized what it is to be great — do what you love while helping others. After getting elbows and jeans covered in white paint, the Nike team then honed their artistic, academic and athletic skills to provide guidance for under-resourced youth. Whether it was basketball, spoken word or art, youth and Nike crew took the afternoon to teach and learn from each other.
Our staff was so encouraged and inspired by your great attitudes, high energy and willingness to jump in where needed to make the event run smoothly. Not only was it Nike’s contribution of time and energy, but their example as positive role models and servants definitely impacted the kids. “Nike” now represents not just a great brand, product or organization to 30 youth, but involved people with faces, names, smiles and passion– friends.
A clutch 3-pointer by Hermes Elementary late in the fourth-quarter helped the Panthers secure a back-and-forth victory over Bardwell Elementary in the annual District 131 5th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament. The 16th rendition of the tournament, which is put on by Triple Threat Mentoring and District 131, featured back-and-forth battles all day, capped off by a championship game for the ages.
Congratulations to all the players, coaches and fans for providing such an awesome day of basketball action. Triple Threat would also like to thank all the volunteers for helping make this event a great success!
Triple Threat recently received a grant from the Aurora Township Foundation for Senior and Youth Services. The grant amount was $500. Triple Threat received the grant for its Money in Motion financial literacy program that was offered to youth who lived in Jericho Circle.
The program is being expanded to other Aurora Housing Authority communities in 2011.
Thanks to Aurora Township for the grant and their continued partnership in helping Triple Threat empower under-resourced youth!
Sara Mock is a long-time Triple Threat volunteer. Her love for art and passion to serve under-resourced youth have led her into volunteer roles for a poetry program and a non-traditional art program, among others.
As many times as she’s volunteered, Sara learns something new every time. Find out what a group of high school poetry students taught her:
The Edge Church, Triple Threat and some of their community partners spread a little extra joy this Christmas. Some 40 volunteers from the Edge, as well as Triple Threat staff put on a huge holiday party for residents at Jericho circle the day after Christmas. There was toys and food and games. Oh my.
Toys for Tots donated about 170 toys for children at Jericho. Also, The Orchard Church donated photo frames for families who had their photos taken in an earlier Triple Threat event. Thanks to all sponsors and volunteers for making such an incredible time possible!
When the annual District 131/Triple Threat basketball tournament rolls around in February, there will be one noticeable addition.
Well, make that 12 noticeable additions. For the first time, an All-Star cheerleading squad will take the floor during the yearly cheer competition. The All-Star team will be made up of one cheerleader from 12 different schools in the district. The group will practice for five weeks before putting on a show at the Feb. 26 competition.
