This is how you raise money for causes in the shortest time possible. You mix a popular sport worldwide, basketball, and add celebrity players and you have a recipe for success. It worked like a charm two years ago when Roc Nation Sports had its first summer classic in the same building. The take of over a million dollars that night opened the doors to events like this in the future.
Well, on July 21st, at the Barclays Center, Roc Nation Sports teams up with four other foundations led by CC Sabathia of the New York Yankees (PitCCh in), Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners (RC22), boxer Miguel Cotto (Fundacion El Angel), and singer Nick Jonas’ (Beyond Type 1) to present the second official Roc Nation Summer Charity Classic.
These men will captain ther own teams and compete in two semi-final contests ending with a champiinship game that evening. Angie Martinez as master of ceremonies and guest host Jay Wlliams will handle the verbal entertainment.
But the main reason for this event is the raising of much needed funds to move programs ahead in these four foundations. Each man has their respective projects and ideas on how funds were used initially and it provided a blueprint for new projects to come.
CC Sabathia, looking to win this one afer losing the first “Classic” focused on renovations for Claremont Park baseball field through money raised through his foundation, pitCCh in.
“Donations raised for the July 21st tournament will continue to make these renovations possible in the future,”
CC shared.
Robinson Cano has had a large impact in this home country, the Dominican Republic, with his RC22 foundation. The first classic allowed Cano to finance the first DREAM School in the Dominican Republic. He is looking to open 21 more. Winning the first game has made Cano hungry to make this second one count on the court and beyond.
“We promise we are going to give this game our all,”
Cano proclaimed.
Miguel Cotto, the multiple boxing champion out of Puerto Rico, has used his foundation, Fundacion el Angel, to create programs like Forma+Salud, which promotes nutrition, physical activity, and healthy habits, to fight obesity in children and adults.
“After joining Roc Nation Sports, our foundation was eager to partner with the philanthropy department to support our mission and programs,”
Cotto explained.
Nick Jonas, whose Beyond Type 1 foundation focuses on Type 1 diabetes, has been provided a grand opportunity to bring to light what this foundation is about, hands on work with those who suffer from diabetes and learning how to handle the daily challenges.
“It works with individuals living with the disease while working towards ensuring a cure is on the way,”
Jonas pointed out
Dania Diaz, Roc Nation Managing Director, Philanthropy, summarized the impact of these four foundations as charities via this game.
“Children in need will have access to high quality education, safe baseball fields, lead healthy lifestyles, and be able to access resources and support the fight against disease,”
Diaz said,
“Everyone wil not only get to witness a spectacular tournament, but they will also be part of making a real difference.”
