October 26th ABCD Community Heroes Celebration to honor former Celtics coach for extraordinary compassion and commitment to Boston youth
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) will enshrine Los Angeles Clippers Coach Glenn “Doc” Rivers in its Hall of Fame at its October Community Heroes Celebration at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. Rivers, who led the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship, will take his place alongside such legendary humanitarians as Senator Edward M. Kennedy, civil rights leader Melnea Cass, social justice innovator Sargent Shriver, and community change agent Mel King.
Eight years ago, Rivers co-founded ABCD Hoop Dreams, which has become an iconic annual basketball tourney and fundraiser. Boston area businesses draft teams to play basketball at TD Garden – a fantasy come true – with proceeds benefiting ABCD programs that support underserved, at-risk youth.
Since partnering with ABCD, Rivers has helped transform the lives of thousands of young people through these programs, which include ABCD SummerWorks, a paid summer jobs initiative that grooms disadvantaged teens for careers, as well as civic and community engagement.
“Doc Rivers has done so much for Boston’s youth through his partnership with ABCD and our Hoop Dreams event,” said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew. “He’s a man of great talent and great compassion. Although he is based in Los Angeles now, Doc stays involved with ABCD, coming back every year to make Hoop Dreams an unforgettable evening and fundraising success. We’re grateful for all he’s done for ABCD youth and the community at large, and we look forward to welcoming him into the ABCD Hall of Fame.”
Rivers returns as coach and co-host of this year’s ABCD Hoop Dreams on September 4th. “Congratulations to Doc on this honor,” said Boston Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens. “Doc has always been a dedicated supporter of ABCD. It’s been fun to spend time with him at the annual Hoop
Dreams event and see his enthusiasm for supporting a great cause that supports kids and families in the Boston community.”
The great sportswriter, ABCD Hoop Dreams Co-founder, and ABCD Hall of Fame member Bob Ryan said, “Far too many professional sports coaches or managers are coaches or managers first and caring, compassionate human beings second. Doc Rivers is the refreshing exception. The minute he learned what ABCD was all about, he said ‘I want in.’”
The induction ceremony will take place at the 2018 ABCD Community Heroes Celebration on Friday, October 26th, at Boston Marriott Copley Place. The annual event, which will pay tribute to some 20 local unsung heroes who go above and beyond to help greater Boston’s most vulnerable people, will also feature QUEEN LATIFAH – in her own words and in concert.
“We’re excited to welcome Queen Latifah not only because of her amazing work as an actress, singer, and entrepreneur, but because of her heartfelt understanding of our underprivileged neighbors. As a philanthropist, she inspires people in need to overcome obstacles and motivates those who want to lend a hand. It’s a perfect example of how families and communities can thrive when we’re in it together,” said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew.
In addition, ABCD will honor the exceptional contributions of civic leader and peace activist Chaplain Clementina (Tina) M. Chéry, who is the co-founder, president and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, and longtime partner and friend to ABCD, Sam Nagler, Esq.
For information about the ABCD Community Heroes Celebration, contact Amelia Aubourg at 617-348-6238 or amelia.aubourg@bostonabcd.org, and visit ABCDHeroes.org.
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About ABCD
A Massachusetts-based nonprofit human services organization, ABCD provides low income residents in the Boston and Mystic Valley areas with the tools, support, and resources they need to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. Each year, we’ve served more than 100,000 individuals, elders and families through a broad range of innovative initiatives as well as long-established, proven programs and services. For more than 50 years, ABCD has been deeply rooted in each neighborhood we serve, empowering individuals and families and supporting them in their quest to live with dignity and achieve their highest potential. For more, please visit bostonabcd.org.
