I was excited to be invited as media to attend the reception for underprivileged children of the Black Card Circle Foundation, Kobe Bryant Family Foundation and the Gina Alexander Philanthropy Project last July 5 at Katsuya in Glendale. Thanks to my Bakitwhy.com family for extending the VIP pass to yours truly. The said philanthropy project will host 10 underpriveledged children with scholarships to attend the Kobe Bryant Basketball Academy in Santa Barbara, California.
Basketball will always have a special place in my heart. As a growing teenager, my life somehow revolved around the sport. My dad, who used to play for the UE Warriors together with the PBA legend Robert Jaworski, and my brother, who played for La Salle, would make basketball a family affair. Even I would be found watching UAAP and PBA games supporting someone special a long time ago. It has been a topic on numerous family dinners and the passion it brings to the table excites everyone.
I know for a fact, how basketball can inspire a person, raise leaders, and teach you how to become a top-notch person. I was able to meet one of the scholarship recipients, Vincent delos Santos, who came all the way from the Philippines to meet the one and only Kobe Bryant. Vincent, along with 9 other children, will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make their dreams come true and at the same time learn leadership skills through basketball. What a blessing!
Black Card Circle Foundation Founder and Chairman, Lotay Yang said, “Raising leaders is a sentiment we echo with each of our projects.” The foundation seeks to help non-profit organizations such as the Gina Alexander Philanthropy Project raise funds and create opportunities to reach out and give back to the community by supporting worthy causes.
Celebrities like “Blind Side” actor Quinton Aaron, “Twilight” cast member Tinsel Korey, Philippine Consulate LA’s Consul General Mary Jo Aragon, the Basco brothers with sister Arianna, and a pool of Pilipino-American media headed by Ted Benito supported the event.
Sometimes it’s the thing that we do best that can make someone else’s dream come true. Just like how Kobe is the best in basketball, the Black Card Foundation and the Gina Alexander Philanthropy projects is giving access to opportunities in reaching one’s full potential.
