|
Michael Jordan came to Hales Franciscan High School to help raise money
October 4, 2005
CHICAGO -- It's been a while since basketball legend Michael Jordan walked onto a basketball court, but he received a very warm welcome from some Chicago students. Jordan, along with his wife Juanita, came to Hales Franciscan High School to help raise money, NBC5's Charlie Wojciechowski reported on Tuesday.
"What stuck with me most, and I think this is from a mother's perspective, was how polite they were," said Juanita Jordan. "They were some of the nicest young men I have met in a long time."
The Jordans are spearheading a drive to raise $15 million to restore and expand the South Side college prep school dedicated to educating young black men.
"If I need a lawyer, if I need to vote for you for president, you can get my vote, but you have to earn it," Michael Jordan said.
The Jordans already sponsor scholarships at this school, Wojciechowsi reported, but the very public announcement served as a call to other donors to make a difference in the lives of these young men.
"I think it's a wonderful thing," said one student, Chris. "Michael is really giving back to the community and helping us out."
The first contribution to the fundraising drive came in the form of a $1 million challenge grant from corporate buyout specialist John Canning and his wife, Rita.
"I believe it's great for the school," said another student, David. "It's going to do a lot for us."
There will be naming opportunities as part of the capital campaign, Wojciechowski reported. For $100,000, people can have a classroom named after them. For $1 million, an athletic field. Jordan said that is something he is not interested in.
"We can contribute to a lot of things in the city of Chicago," Michael Jordan said. "But this thing here I think will make the most significance in terms of what tomorrow brings for our kids."
Source : NBC5.com
|
