Panthers Legend Julius Peppers Brightens Future for Local Charities (VIDEO)
Friday afternoon was a life-changing moment for several local charities and their participants. It was all thanks to the efforts of Panthers Legend Julius Peppers.
The money, which was raised in February during Peppers' Charity Sneaker Ball at the Harvey B. Gant Center in Charlotte, was donated to three local charities to help boost their efforts in serving the community.
"I feel like we all have a responsibility and obligation to serve and help others." Peppers said. "We're also excited for our opportunity to raise money for some local organizations doing some amazing work in the community."
The Young Black Leadership Alliance is a youth led organization that assists young people develop leadership skills and become change-agents in the community . The program goals are accomplished through job training, education and international travel missions.
"Our whole goal is to develop young people as leaders." Program CEO John Martin said. "We were so excited when Julius recognized us as part of the Sneaker Ball.
Girl Talk Foundation is an organization founded to empower every girl to find her voice to become the success she is destined to be. Their goal since 2003 has been reached by encouraging positive and critical thinking, building character, promoting self-respect and teaching life skills for young girls between the ages of 11 – 16.
"He was one of the first people to make a huge check presentation to Girls Talk when we founded the organization 15 years ago." Girl Talk Founder Janine Davis said. "He believed in what we were doing with Girl Talk to transform the lives of girls.
The Center for Community Transitions is designed to help families and the men and women of those families who have been incarcerated make the transition back into society with employment assistance, support groups and other opportunities.
"All of this work is only possible with generous contributions like this from Julius and other entities that support the work that we do." Program Director Charis Blackmon said.
All of the charities received a $10,000 donation from Peppers at a press conference held at Bank of America Stadium.
