Founded in 2002, 29th Street Inc. (previously known at 29th Street Alumni Association) is a volunteer-run nonprofit that offers free central city basketball camps to boys and girls ages 9-12 and also raises scholarship funds to help aid students in their pursuit of a college education. The organization will host its 13th Annual Summer Basketball Camp July 24-25 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. each day at North Division High School (1011 W. Center St.), which will offer 80-100 youth the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basketball as well as life lessons from past participants and motivational speakers, such as 29th Street alum and NBA Champion Mike Wilks and former Brewer Larry Hisle. Each camper receives a lunch and snack, T-shirt and a backpack filled with school supplies. So far, more than 500 kids have attended the camps. An Alumni Scholarship Basketball Game will also be held on Sunday, July 26, at 2 p.m., which is free to the public and will include the presentation of the Chloe Wilks scholarship award to an upcoming college freshman.
“Our dedication to continuously work together to help create and/or maintain a positive focus for youth in the city of Milwaukee is still a reality today,” states a 29th Street press release. “A common goal remains present…in all that we do and that is to assist the youth in our communities.”
To make a donation, volunteer or to learn more about the camps and scholarship program, contact Calvin Rayford at 414-873-2929, 414-899-9569 or calvinrayford@29thstreetinc.com.
