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04/25/2007 Archived Entry: "Light Heavyweight Champion, Bernard Hopkins Builds $60,000 Playground for Philadelphia School"
Light Heavyweight Champion, Bernard Hopkins Builds $60,000 Playground for Philadelphia School
Philadelphia, PA - Joined by students, teachers, local politicians and community members, Philadelphia light heavyweight boxing great Bernard Hopkins cut the ribbon today for the new playground he sponsored at the Charles Henry Elementary School in Philadelphia, where he attended as a youth. Hopkins used funds from his newly established foundation—The Bernard and Shirley Hopkins Make A Way Foundation—to build the $60,000 playground on a vacant lot next to the school. The project is the first for the Foundation.
"I couldn't think of a better place to start than my elementary school," said Hopkins. "My mother raised me in this area and it's a great honor to memorialize her with something in the neighborhood."
Hopkins established The Bernard and Shirley Hopkins Make A Way Foundation in 2006 in honor of his late mother Shirley. Its mission is to raise awareness and money to help "make a way" for the city's underprivileged youth to flourish academically, socially and athletically and will implement its mission by rebuilding playgrounds and recreation centers throughout Philadelphia.
Hopkins also announced details for The Night of Champions, the inaugural fundraiser, for The Bernard and Shirley Hopkins Make-A-Way Foundation. This exclusive event will take place on Thursday, May 17, 2007, at the Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia, and confirmed guests include Hip-Hop Pioneer Russell Simmons, NJ State Athletic Association Chairman Larry Hazzard, Steven A. Cozen, Chairman of the law firm Cozen O'Connor, and NFL Player's Association President Troy Vincent. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner and a celebrity auction. The event will be hosted by Comcast Sportsnet Anchor Neil Hartman. To purchase tickets or for more information on the fundraiser please contact, Arnold Joseph 215-665-5506.
