Initially organized as a charitable fund, the Foundation started in 2001 with a substantial donation to families affected by the 9/11 tragedy. From 2001 to 2006, the organization funded and executed a variety of programs independently and in conjunction with various partners, including:
- Operation Healthy Kids with the Harlem YMCA (2006) – Allan as NYC spokesperson promoting healthy lifestyles for children.
- Christmas Toy Drive with Coca-Cola (2005) – Distributed toys to under- served youth at Riverbank State Park in Harlem.
- Winter Wonderland at the Intrepid Museum (2004) – Provided a day of fun and toys for under-served youth around the region.
- Thanksgiving Pathmark Turkey Giveaway (2004) – Bought and distributed turkeys to low-income Harlem residents.
- NY Community Trust (2001-2004) – Multiple financial donations to Trust recommended causes/organizations.
- “My Teacher Is My Hero” Award (2001-2003) – A program recognizing outstanding teachers in the NYC Public School System.
- Allan Houston Celebrity Golf Classic (1997-2002) – A six year event in Allan’s hometown of Louisville, KY that raised over $500,000 for the Big Brothers / Big Sisters Association of Kentuckiana.
- NYC Board of Education’s World Trade Center Fund (2001) – Large financial donation to students affected by September 11th · Houston’s Hometown Heroes (2001) – Donation of premiere Knicks tickets to families directly affected by the September 11th attacks.
- Allan’s Courtside Classroom (2000-2001) – Enrichment program that brought students to Madison Square Garden for Knicks games.
Organizing itself as a public 501(c)(3) in 2007 with a growing team of dedicated managers, the
Foundation currently operates as a fully functional non-profit entity with year-round programming and offices in multiple states. At present, the Foundation has two primary initiatives:
- Strengthening relationships between fathers/sons and mentors/mentees through the “Father Knows Best” Basketball Retreat.
- Economically empowering young adults who aspire to become entrepreneurs through the Business Education and Development Program.
Based on the metrics we’ve developed for measuring participant gains, these programs are making a tremendous impact on the lives of young people in the communities served. These early accomplishments serve as a blueprint for additional expansion, and the Foundation is growing its resources to serve a wider group of communities across the United States and eventually abroad.
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