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.
In a slugfest that went down to the last inning, the Oak Park Tigers edged Brady Elementary to win the 14th Annual District 131 5th grade co-ed softball tournament. Triple Threat teamed up with D131 to run the tournament and it was a great success. Seven different teams fought hard to claim the crown, but in the end Oak Park took the top honors.
Thanks to all our volunteers and partners for helping make it a great day at the ballpark!
When Aurora youth are in the classroom this fall, more than their clothes might be from JC Penny.
That’s because JC Penny recently donated a box full of arts and school supplies for Triple Threat to use in its programming. So, if you’re child is in a Triple Threat arts or academics program, chances are JC Penny is right there along with them.
Dameon Mason doesn’t have to be here, at this small gym.
He’s only a few weeks removed from playing professional basketball overseas, and in a few hours he will travel to nearby Plainfield to his paying gig training top-notch collegiate players.
He’s not on the clock here, at the dimly lit Fred Rogers Community Center. And there’s no collegiate players in sight. That doesn’t matter much to Mason, who’s running an intensive basketball camp for Triple Threat youth.
“It’s my ambition and drive to help out the community and the kids. And so is Triple Threat’s,” he said.
On this certain day, he strides onto the hardwood floor, dressed in black Nike gear and a smile. Like magnets, two dozen eyes gravitate toward his towering frame. The inaudible admiration is thick. If not before, they now all know who he is.
Dameon Mason.
West Aurora High School hoops hero Dameon Mason. Louisiana State University Dameon Mason. Overseas pro Dameon Mason.
And Dameon Mason knows that. And with that notoriety comes responsibility, a trade-off he willingly takes.
The dozen or so players on the court any given day might not make it pro, or even make the varsity high school squad. So why does he pour so much time into them?
Because when he talks, they listen.
“Dameon is the perfect guy for this camp,” said Triple Threat athletic director Ken Abbott. “The kids look up to him, and for good reason. He teaches more than shooting and dribbling drills. He teaches character and respect.”
Sure the jump shots and spin dribbles are aplenty. Ask the kids who’ve mastered the drills they’ve done so many times it’s video game automatic.
Also ask them what makes a good leader and how to make an impact in their community. They’ll know those answers, too.
That’s because Mason makes sure to teach them. Sure, he can refine an already polished college basketball player into a better basketball player. But with Triple Threat, he can help mold a troubled young man into the pride and joy of the neighborhood.
That’s why he’s here, at this small gym.
“I’ve seen the kids go by the wayside. I’ve seen great kids and great talent,” Mason said, before taking a long pause. “That’s why I’m playing basketball and doing anything I can to help Triple Threat’s cause.”
In the short six weeks of the program, he’s already seen the fruits of his sometimes-strenuous labor. Campers are more respectful. More knowledgeable. Better at making decisions.
“They’ve been growing constantly,” Mason said. “That’s what I enjoy most”
It couldn’t be easier to help Triple Threat Mentoring.
Simply shop at the JC Penny in North Aurora between August 4th and August 14th. When you check out, you’ll be asked if you’d like to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar, with that change going to Triple Threat.
So if you have some back-to-school shopping to do, make sure to head over to the JC Penny right off of Interstate 88 at Orchard Road. Your contribution will go a long way in helping us empower under-resourced youth.
