About Jonathan Bender Foundation
OFFERING SUPPORT: Former NBA player helping local school
Former NBA player helping local school
Former NBA Indiana Pacers standout Jonathan Bender provide a nice assist to Joseph S. Maggiore Elementary School in Metairie, Louisiana; when he adopted the facility recently and promised to provide much-needed repairs and renovations.
It was almost as if Principal Gloria Willis had won the NBA Finals without lifting a basketball. Bender, along with members of The Jonathan Bender Foundation, visited the school recently and announced plans to adopt the school.
"I am very excited about this," Willis said.
The adoption is part of the foundation's initiatives to help improve the quality of life for children in the greater New Orleans, Louisiana area.
Mattie Hobley, Bender's publicist, said the foundation plans to identify the areas of greatest need and help the school achieve its objectives. "There is so much need in this area," Hobley said. "We've adopted schools in Picayune, Mississippi, Jonathan's hometown, and we are planning to adopt a school in New Orleans, Louisiana as well. After speaking with local school board members and councilmen, we have determined that we are going to start here at Maggiore. This school isn't getting very much assistance at all."
"The extra support is a blessing," Willis said. "We have a wish list and we can't wait to get started with everything imaginable that we need and want."
Among the top areas of concern are the school's playground and library. The library took on several feet of water following Hurricane Katrina and continues to retain moisture. Books and shelves need to be replaced, along with floor covering. The outdated playground equipment needs to be renovated and updated to accommodate the 406 prekindergarten through fifth-grade students who attend the school.
Bender has taken inventory and is up for the task of helping to provide money for the restoration. "The library really need new books," Bender said. "It reminds me of my elementary school when I was 3 and 4 years old. We are going to do a 360 degree turnaround at this school. We have to get rid some of these old things and give the students a chance to grow and learn. They need access to upgraded technology and resources to grow. We can do this."
Jackie Johnson, assistant prekindergarten teacher said: "It is wonderful that he (Bender) is here and coming to help out. It's going to make all the difference in the world."
Hobley selected the school because she wants to help ensure the students are safe as well. "One of the things we want to address first is to make sure the students are safe," she said. "They need an environment that is clean and safe. We want to provide not just fun play, but safe play as well."
The foundation plans to establish an after-school program and to hold a book drive and other activities to help replace the books in the school library.
The Jonathan Bender Foundation was established after Bender witnessed the devastation effects of Hurricane Katrina. Its mission is to provide programs, activities and tools to children in his community so they are informed and prepared to make healthy, positive and self-empowered decisions in regard to their present and future educational, health and social needs.
Boys and Girls ages 6-17 may be referred to The Jonathan Bender Foundation from local Boys and Girls Clubs, city and public housing programs, recreational programs, youth counselors, teachers and parents. For information visit www.thejonathanbenderfoundation.com .
Bender retired from the NBA due to a knee injury in 2006. He holds the record for scoring 31 points in the 1999 McDonald's High School All-America Game, breaking Michael Jordan's record of 30 points in 1981.
"Helping children is my first priority, because they are our rising stars and the future of New Orleans," Bender said.
Quo Hollins can be reached at qhollins(at)timespicayune.com or (504) 461-0437.