Hoving Home Serves Up Hope in Las Vegas

The classic Julia Robert’s movie entitled “Pretty Woman,” is most certainly a popular story of redemption, but sadly the Hollywood glamorization of prostitution is far from reality. The reality is that far too many young girls and women fall prey to the appearance of finding a better life succumb to a life of drug abuse and prostitution, which almost always ends in shattered lives and sometimes death.

Just a mile east of the fabulous Las Vegas Strip lies the Hoving Home, where hope is served 365 days a year. Over the past several months, the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers, staff, and other members of the Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys Community Outreach team has made several visits to learn about Hoving Home’s current needs and to explore opportunities for our personal injury firm to be of support.

Seeing first-hand the real-life transformation of Hoving Home residents, where despair and brokenness are exchanged for hope and wholesome living, inspired us to get involved and to become advocates for the important work taking place there. It is Lerner and Rowe‘s hope that others will be inspired to give back to the community as well. Find out how the Hoving Home serves hope in Las Vegas for yourself.

Tara’s Story

My name is Tara. I’m 23 years old. I was born and raised in Las Vegas. I had a great childhood, however, with growing up, my curiosity grew stronger and stronger. My curiosity led me to relationships with men and experimenting with any drug that I came across. My life soon consisted of money, drugs and doing any and everything to get my hands on it. I was in and out of jail and became a slave to the fast lifestyle. The drugs consumed my mind, body, and soul. I was an exotic dancer to support my habit which eventually led to prostitution.

I was lost, hopeless and ashamed on so many levels. Eventually, I wound up in jail facing felony charges and prison time. For the first time in my life, I cried out to God. I begged Him for a chance to change and to never go back to the way I was living. By the grace of God, I came to the Walter Hoving Home and was given the chance to change. I have learned to surrender my past and am no longer defined by what I have done or who I thought I was. I now have a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus that I never thought was possible. My relationships with my family have been restored and I continue to seek God’s will for my life. God has saved me and my chains are gone. I have been set free by His amazing grace

The Hoving Home

The Hoving Home was founded in Garrison NY back in 1967. In 1984, they expanded to a home in Pasadena California and then Las Vegas NV in 2006. The current capacity of the Las Vegas Hoving Home is 10 residents and management is hopeful to raise the funds needed to rezone to 16 residents. The demand for their services far outstrip the local Hoving Home’s capacity and as a nonprofit Christian organization, the ministry relies solely upon the financial contributions of concerned individuals, churches, corporations and other organizations. The Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys proudly support The Hoving Home.

Also consider attending the Hoving Home Gala in September, with special guest speaker, Daryl Strawberry – Check out their website here.

2017 Walk for STH “Stronger Together”

On Saturday, June 10th the Gary, Indiana community including those at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, came together for the 2017 walk for STH themed “Stronger Together”. For those that attended, the event was more than just a walk; it was a celebration of hope. Local churches, businesses, government officials, and concern community members answered the call to fundraise and volunteer on behalf of the homeless and at-risk women and children.

On that beautiful day, over 100 volunteers and 400 walk participants gathered at the STH’s grounds to prepare for the 1.6 mile walk around the neighborhood. At the event, the Lerner and Rowe Merrillville injury attorneys and staff handed out water, sports drinks and nutritious snacks for the event participants. What a joy it was for us to be able to interact with each of the groups that participated and join in their excitement for service.

Thanks to the outstanding work of the STH staff and volunteers, the 2017 STH Walk went as planned and without a hitch. Sister Peg Spindler, executive director, reported that STH had surpassed the amount they hoped they would reach by the end of that day. This success would not have been possible without the collaboration of like-minded groups coming together. Over 27 sponsors comprised of local businesses including the staff and Merrillville personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys contributed to make sure that every dollar raised through the event could go towards direct services to the woman and children STH serves.

TOGETHER, we were definitely STRONGER!

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2017 WALK FOR STH SPONSORS:

• Indiana American Water
• Lerner and Rowe Gives Back (Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys)
• Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors
• NIPSCO
• Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
• Powers & Sons Construction Company
• TWG Development, LLC
• Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes
• St. Catherine Hospital (Community Healthcare Systems)
• TRI-ELECTRONICS
• Ameristar (East Chicago)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Sigma Phi Omega Chapter)
• Black Diamond Pipe & Tube, Inc.
• Hall Render, Killian Heath & Lyman
• I.L.A. Local 1969 (AFL-CIO)
• Tri Kappa Beta Rhe Chapter
• Loomis | Sayles
• Marram Health Center
• Methodist Hospitals
• Purdue University (Northwest College of Nursing)
• Peoples Bank
• Ricci’s Landscape Management Inc.
• Rob’s Music Kingdom
• Scott Steel Services, Inc.
• Swartz Retson
• United Steel Workers USW Local 1066
• The WDS Group

Sojourner Truth House (STH) is a day center located in Gary, Indiana, that serves homeless and at-risk women and their children. Founded by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in 1997, STH serves more than 2,092 clients each month.

STH assists clients staying in local shelters with help applying to benefits, referrals to community support agencies, basic skills, employment training, healthcare screenings, addiction counseling and assistance with transitional housing.

To learn more: https://www.sojournertruthhouse.org/ to donate towards the 2017Walk For STH: https://www.walkforsth.org

89106 Zip Code: The Las Vegas Golden Triangle

In the shadow of the bright neon lights of the Las Vegas strip, lies a stark contrast to the iconic entertainment capital of the world. Apart from the postman, local police and those who minister to the neediest of residents, the name Las Vegas Golden Triangle, or 89106 may as well be in the Atlantic Ocean someplace off Bermuda. But to thousands of homeless people, the Las Vegas Golden Triangle in the historic Westside of Las Vegas is not only a lifeline; it is a place for hope!

The term Las Vegas Golden Triangle comes from the small plot of real estate straddling highway I-15 between Bonanza and Owens Street. The three points of the triangle are the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army. It is within the walls of these three locations that thousands of homeless souls escape the pain, confusion, and hopelessness of life on the streets.

Over the past several months, our Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys Community Outreach team has made several visits to this area in hopes of learning first-hand about the current needs facing 98106 and to explore opportunities for our personal injury firm to be of support. Our visits to this area have inspired us to get involved and to become advocates for the important work taking place there. It is our hope that others will be inspired as well.

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission: Henry’s Story

For Henry, the bus ride from the mean streets of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district to Las Vegas was a chance to escape the grip of street life and meth addiction. Like so many new residents, Henry had dreams of starting a new life. Unfortunately, the most prevalent helping hand offered to sooth the pain and anguish of homelessness is in the form of cheap drugs and alcohol. In fact, self-medication is a deadly form of escape for over half of the homeless population.

Shortly after stepping off the Greyhound bus, Henry came to realize that his demons followed him and that the drugs he was escaping from were abundantly available just outside the door of his downtown apartment. Living in a strange town Henry turned back to a life of drugs until he couldn’t take it anymore. It was then that he walked into the Las Vegas Rescue Mission seeking help and hope.

Addiction Programs

Like so many who enter addiction programs, Henry had to learn the reasons for his addiction. Anger was the source of the deep-seated pain that drove him to self-medicate. In a year-long process of guided self-discovery, he recognized the root of his problems and learned that he was ultimately responsible for his past actions and for the way he would respond to future circumstances. Henry stopped running from his demons and made a decision to face the pain head on.

As Henry experienced healing, he was able to re-establish a relationship with his 5-year-old son. The mission helped him understand the role he plays in his son’s future. Today, Henry is working towards being the dad he never had; and is committed to ensuring his son grows up in a loving household; well protected from the street-life that corrupted him.

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission also spent time preparing him for the life he would have after treatment. As part of his recovery plan, Henry learned how to prepare a resume and how to interview. At the end of this process, he was also gifted a suit to wear for his interviews and graduation. It is amazing to see the transformation that has taken place in Henry’s life.

Today, Henry has a new lease on life. His hard work and dedication have paid off and for the first time in a long time; he is not afraid of the future. As he prepares to leave the program, he does so with a renewed sense of hope. The years of addiction which left a wake of destruction in his past are now being overshadowed by a bright future only possibly by the grace of God through the work of The Las Vegas Rescue Mission.

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission

The Las Vegas Rescue Mission is a nonprofit Christian organization that relies solely on the financial contributions of concerned individuals; churches; corporations and other organizations in this Vegas zip code. For more information: www.vegasrescue.org

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys Present the 2017 Richard Nelson Courage Award

2017 Richard Nelson Courage Award Winner Isaiah Morris

On Saturday, June 3rd, Lerner and ROwe Injury Attorneys partnered with the annual Best of Nevada Preps award show to present the 2017 Richard Nelson Courage Award at the Venetian hotel-casino. There were 846 student-athletes in attendance representing 112 Nevada high schools at the 2017 Best of Nevada Preps Awards, which acknowledged the most outstanding athletes in the state from the 2016-2017 academic year to promote the benefits of sports. Hall of Fame NFL running back Marcus Allen spoke to the student-athletes in attendance and offered valuable advice about the transition from high school to college sports.

The Richard Nelson Courage Award was renamed this year to honor the late Richard Nelson’s legacy. Nelson, the first recipient of the Courage Award, was tragically shot and killed outside of his Mother’s home in Las Vegas while home on his winter break from Missouri State University. At University, Richard continued playing football after a very successful high school career in Nevada.

Richard acted selflessly and proved how he embodied the merit behind the Courage Award when he intervened in a fight to defend his sister from an attacker. The senseless act of violence has deeply saddened the Missouri State University and greater Las Vegas communities, but the courage that Richard possessed lives on through the Courage Award that now bears his name.

Before passing away, Nelson shared a quote from his heart via social media that shows the drive he brought into all aspects of his life. Nelson stated, “I don’t want to wake up in the morning without a purpose to do something or make a change. Every day to me is a grind and always will be. Nothing comes easy, and I don’t like easy. Make me work for it so I know I earned it and deserved it, 100%.” This year’s Richard Nelson Courage Award recipient, Isaiah Morris, has also shown a clear understanding of the value of hard work.

From left to right: Craig Moon President and Publisher of Las Vegas Review-Journal, Roxanne Bruce, mother of the late Richard Nelson, NFL legend Marcus Allen, & Harlan Schillinger of Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys

Isaiah Morris led his team to a Class 3A State championship despite having to overcome adversity throughout his life. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys of Las Vegas presented the 2017 Richard Nelson Courage award to Morris and explained his heartbreaking story to those in attendance at the Best of Nevada Preps awards. In his speech, Schillinger stated, “this young man, Isaiah Morris, endured a childhood filled with personal tragedy, but continued to excel on the football field.

His father, Booker T. Morris, died before his son’s first birthday when he was hit by a car while riding his bike. Isaiah’s mother, Shatah Joshua-Dorsey, was killed in 2012 when she was struck by a pickup truck while crossing the street.” Morris’s immense work ethic and talent are evidenced by his standout senior season, during which he rushed for 1,816 yards and 24 touchdowns. Like Richard Nelson, Morris’s path to football success was earned through the unrelenting hard work he put into his craft and himself behind the scenes.

Morris received an offer to continue his football career into college while staying in his hometown of Las Vegas, and has committed to be on the football team at the University of Nevada Las Vegas next season.

Everyone from Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys was honored to sponsor the award show and be associated with the 2017 Richard Nelson Courage Award. The firm is pleased that a person of Isaiah Morris’s caliber is staying in the community beyond high school, where the courage he possesses through life can serve as an advertisement of what to do write. Lerner and Rowe Gives Back is committed to supporting the community and helping to improve the lives of others, and the positive impact of high school sports on the youth in Nevada cannot be overstated. Participation in athletics can teach children to set and strive toward goals, believe in themselves, and overcome obstacles in other aspects of life.

Nevada is home to some of the best high school athletic talent in the nation, and Lerner and Rowe Gives Back firmly believes in celebrating and promoting the impressive successes of the area’s youth. Glen Lerner’s own humble upbringing sparked a desire to improve the lives of the people around him, and the Best of Nevada Preps award show served as a fantastic platform to recognize the young people who have shed a positive spotlight on the area. As part of the law firm’s charitable arm, Lerner and Rowe Gives Back supports the community through scholarships and other sponsorships. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys provides legal support to individuals who have suffered injuries from automobile accidents and help people receive the compensation they deserve.

There are many reasons why we love Northwest Indiana here at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.  These top our list:

Northwest Indiana is Where We Do Business

This region has been home to Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys since 2013. Our local personal injury office located at 421 W 81^st Ave in Merrillville has successfully served hundreds of clients from Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties over the past 4 years.

Northwest Indiana is Where We Live and Work

Our managing attorney, Jonathan Faust was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana and currently resides in northwest Indiana with his family.  This makes us a local firm, managed by a local Indiana attorney serving the needs of the hardworking families in the region.

Northwest Indiana is Where We Serve

There is nothing we desire more than to support our local community and be a part of the fabric that makes this region a great place to live, work and serve.

Our personal injury firm strives to be known for exceptional legal representation and responsible community engagement through our charitable initiative called Lerner and Rowe Gives Back.

Our community engagement is based on long-term, organic relationships with our neighbors and partnerships with local organizations and businesses seeking to enhance or improve the quality of life of the local community through grassroots efforts.

Some of these great organizations include:

• Bethel Church (Gary)
• Bethel City Life Center (Gary)
• Campagna Academy,(Schererville)
• Embassies of Christ (Gary)
• Faith Community Development Corporation (Gary)
• Gary Downtown Emerson Spotlight (Gary)
• Habitat for Humanities- ReStore (Gary)
• Miller Spotlight (Gary)
• Progressive Community Church (Gary)
• Sojourner Truth House (Gary)
• The Crown Point Community Foundation (Crown Point)
• The Lake County Crossroads Regional Chamber (Merrillville)
• The Legacy Foundation (Merrillville)
• The Salvation Army (Gary/Merrillville)
• Town of Merrillville (Merrillville)

We Love Northwest Indiana

Jonathan Faust is the Managing Attorney of the Chicago and Merrillville accident and injury law firms of Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Ball State University in 2004.  Jonathan earned his Juris Doctor degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, where he was also a member and Associate Editor of the Indiana Law Review.  While in law school, Jonathan interned with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, serving in the Major Felony Narcotics Division.  He also served as a judicial extern with the Head Magistrate of the Marion County Juvenile Court.  Jonathan was named Robert H. McKinney’s 2010 Client Counseling Competition Champion and earned the distinction of ABA Regional Client Counseling Competition semi-finalist.

Jonathan’s decision to practice personal injury law is rooted in his desire to help and serve others.  He has dedicated his legal career to making a difference in the lives of victims harmed by the negligent actions of others.  Over the past 5 years, he has personally helped hundreds of accident and injury victims recover millions of dollars from insurance companies for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Jonathan is a proud member of the Christian Legal Society and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. He is a lifelong supporter of Purdue University Athletics and a loyal member of the John Purdue Club.  He and his wife Megan, live with their three children in Northwest Indiana. Jonathan is licensed to practice law in Indiana and Illinois.

The Maywood Chess Club

Just down the street from our Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorney’s office in Maywood is a community program that teaches important life lessons to kids using the game of chess.  The Maywood chess club under the direction of former library trustee Mr. Gordon Hanson meets every Wednesday from 5 to 7 pm at the Maywood Library.

On any given week around 15 kids participate in the club.  The kids range from having zero knowledge of the game to those considered “tournament” ready.  At the club, the kids play and learn from one another.  They also benefit from the instruction and mentoring from Mr. Hanson and a couple of his adult volunteers.  Having other caring adults there ensure that each child is given the attention they need to improve in their game.  The club is always looking for a few more volunteers.

For Mr. Hanson, chess is not just a game.  He believes that chess can teach kids transferable skills needed to navigate other areas of life.  As in chess, kids learn that life is about making the right moves and that every move has consequences.  In a recent interview Hanson said,   “If you make a good move, you have a good consequence. The thing is… you have to know how to strategize and think several moves ahead in order to get the outcome you want.”

Playing chess on a regular basis can also:

• Raise a person’s IQ
• It exercises both sides of the brain.
• It helps improve memory and concentration
• It teaches planning and foresight
• It increases problem-solving skills and creativity
• It builds inner confidence

Compared to the games played by most kids today, chess can dramatically impact a kid’s life in a positive way.  Thank You Mr. Gordon Hanson for your personal donation of time, talent and treasure on behalf of the kids in Maywood and for the opportunity you extended to us to get involved. We consider this a strategic move!

Spring Break Safe Haven for Chicago Area Youth

Our personal injury firm has become a fan of the Chicago Police Department’s CAPS program Spring Break Safe Haven for Area Youth.

Over the past few months. CAPS, (which stands for “Community Alternative Policing Strategy”) seeks to bring the community and other agencies together to identify and solve neighborhood crime problems, rather than simply react to their symptoms. We believe the CAPS mission aligns with the Lerner and Rowe Gives Back vision to become immersed in the local neighborhoods and the lives of residents throughout our city. Lerner and Rowe Gives Back had the opportunity to partner with the CAPS program to create a “Safe Haven” for Chicago Police Department – District 009 area youth during the week of April 10^th-14^th. With the CAPS strategy in hand, and recognizing the urgent need addressed by the local community, Lerner and Rowe Gives Back committed the resources needed to provide 5 days of safe recreational activities for local area kids.

CAPS officers and local community leaders collaborated to determine which age range and neighborhood areas would benefit most from a week of programming that consisted of what we termed, “Recreation and Inspiration”.  It was determined that the program would be open to youths ages 7-15. Our “Safe Haven Spring Break” kicked off at 9:30 am on April 10^th, starting with a continental breakfast coordinated by the CPD and funded by Target.  This breakfast was provided every morning of the program and was a key component of the day, as many of the kids come from homes where breakfast is often unavailable. After breakfast, the youth would spend over two hours playing soccer and basketball and enjoying the many amenities of Chicago Indoor Sports, who graciously hosted our event. (Mr. John Burns and the entire facility staff, went above and beyond to welcome the kids) The youth were given full access to all the facility had to offer, which included unlimited game access to the Razzmatazz Arcade, and provided a pizza lunch every day.

On Wednesday, the 12^th, the kids enjoyed a roller skating party at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park & Family Entertainment Center. Our firm was also fortunate to receive the much-needed and greatly appreciated time and efforts of Bridgeport community chaperones, coaches, and youth leaders. They made themselves available daily to not only provide supervision but to interact with the children and serve as positive role models. Some of them even got to share their stories during the “Daily Inspiration Youth Chat” and informal conversations throughout the day.

Our very own Glen Lerner shared his personal story of being raised by a single parent on welfare, with a dad in prison and how with God’s help he persevered and overcame those setbacks. Glen’s background resonated with the youth, and his story inspired them, along with his advice to have goals, work hard, and to trust God with their futures. The success of this week was a result of the collective efforts of the community.  It was also a powerful testimony of what can be accomplished when groups collaborate to identify issues, work to solve them and make a positive impact where it is needed most.

Our gratitude and appreciation go out to Senator Antonio Munoz, Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council/Craig Chico, City Year, Brenda Davis,  9th District Police, Commander Stephen Chung, Sgt. Ken Janeczko, Sgt. John Verta, P.O. Sabrina King, P.O. Cheryl Clark, P.O. Kevin Rochwicz, P.O. Jim McAndrew, P.O. Jim Campagna, P.O. Oscar Escalante, CAPS implementation office/Rick Contreras and Terry Wenta, San Miguel School/Salvador Chavez,  Fuller Park/Lisa Simpson, Sherman Park/Marvin Tolbert, Theresa Johnson, Hermitage Park/Monique Whitfield, Kelly Park/Luis Ruiz, Brighton Park/Jennifer Ruiz, and Cornell Park.

Teaching Life Lessons Through Basketball at Piccolo Middle School

By Injury Attorney Thomas Grace

Basketball has been a part of my life since I was nine years old.  I built my early friendships on the driveway playing basketball from sun up to sun down.  I learned to compete, I learned how to win and certainly how to lose.  The game taught me how to work with others and how to be responsible and accountable to others.

Those same lessons translated for me into the classroom.  I knew it was okay to work hard and to want a better grade in my classes than my friends.  I set goals for myself, pushed myself to achieve them, and learned from my mistakes when I fell short.  Competing honestly and with integrity was okay, basketball taught me not only that competing hard was okay, but how to do it.  Along the way, I developed confidence and a sense of self-worth that permeated all aspects of my life.

There is a certain honesty about sport that is unique.  I learned that once I stepped on the court, it was not long before the game rewarded my hard work and preparation, but the game also exposed my weaknesses just as quickly.  I had to take ownership of my level of play.  Basketball taught me the importance of hard work and preparation.  Hard work always pays off.  Not always in the way I anticipated or when I expected, but hard work always pays off.  Basketball taught me that lesson over and over again.

I never achieved great success as a basketball player.  But I tried, I completely committed to being the best player I could be.  I approached basketball with passion and with no fear of failure.  And I loved every minute I was on the court.

I took what basketball taught me and applied it to my studies, to my career, and to all aspects of my life.  As I grew older, I found other ways to feed my competitive nature.  Ultimately, I became an attorney and traded the basketball court for the courtroom.  Even in the new venue, I had to be prepared and worked harder than I ever had before.

I do not know how I would have stayed focused and on the right path without the lessons from basketball.  I would have been lost, adrift, without it.  When Glen Lerner challenged the attorneys at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, to give back to the communities in Chicago, I immediately turned to what I know, basketball.  The firm is built around its client relationships and from its founder’s insatiable desire to help people.  Glen makes community outreach a priority and demands that those around him also make it a priority.

I have coached youth basketball for 7 years.  I have coached in more than 150 competitive youth basketball games in tournaments in Chicago, Austin and Houston, Texas, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. With all due respect to the Cubs’ recent accomplishments, Chicago is a basketball town and Michael Jordan is still its hero.  Chicago high schools have produced some of the NBA’s greatest players, many hall of fame players and coaches.  Despite that history, funding of the Chicago Public Schools is so strained, that even the city’s basketball programs struggle to get what they need.  Combined with the gun violence in Chicago’s west side that has made national news, young ballers are having a tough time.

With the help of Triple Threat Mentoring, I was fortunate to connect with Piccolo Middle School in Chicago’s west side and meet some fantastic educators, Erin Lauesen and Michael Abello.  Erin is a teacher, administrator and a coach.  Michael is the principal at the school.  They are on the front lines, fighting for young boys and girls and their futures.  They welcomed me into their school and allowed me to teach basketball to the young players at the school.  I worked with them in their practices, conducted Saturday morning skills clinics and helped coach some of their games.

Time on the court with these young players is food for my soul.  There is simply nothing comparable to helping a young player learn something new and watch them incorporate what they have learned into their game, and achieve new success.  Basketball was instrumental to my development as a man, and these young players cannot, must not, be denied that same opportunity.  Neither a city budget crisis, nor the ever presence of senseless violence can be permitted to interfere in the chance of Chicago’s young boys and girls to play and compete in the game of basketball.  I can’t fix the problems on Chicago’s west side, but I can teach young boys and girls how to shoot a basketball.

I was fortunate enough to see the boys and girls at Piccolo Middle School compete this past winter through their basketball season.  But when their season ended, the school had no funds for a celebration of the players’ commitment and achievement.  Winter sports banquets happened across the city, I even attended my own son’s basketball banquet at his high school in a Chicago suburb.  But there was nothing planned at Piccolo Middle School.  I could not accept that and neither could Glen.

Thankfully, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys and its outreach program, Lerner and Rowe Gives Back, stepped up and provided what the school and the players needed – A Basketball Banquet.  It was nothing fancy, pizza, pasta and salad from a local favorite pizza parlor, Beggars Pizza.  When I explained what we were doing, Beggars gave us a substantial discount on all the food.  We also provided 44 trophies and medals from a local trophy and sign company, Crown Trophy.  They were happy to help select quality items to commemorate the season for the boys and girls.

Together, the players, parents, teachers and coaches celebrated their basketball season.  For an hour or two, one middle school on Chicago’s west side had a party and applauded each other and their accomplishments.  I was honored and humbled to be a small part of it.

Basketball has always been and always will be an invaluable tool to teach critical life skills.  And thanks to my boss’ refreshing and unique commitment to community outreach, and the help of a couple of local businesses, basketball will continue to teach important life lessons to the ballers at Piccolo Middle School.