This All-Star Saturday, LeBron James and Sprite revealed the completely renovated Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana - Westbank Unit. As part of LeBron’s and Sprite’s annual All-Star initiative, the local New Orleans club received brand new hardwood floors, fresh paint, basketball hoops, wall padding, and bleachers for the gymnasium as well as new flooring in the club’s main entrance, furniture and fresh paint in classrooms, all new sports equipment, and an original, larger-than-life mural, designed by Keith Eccles, celebrating the club’s vibrant culture. James joined several of the club’s members and staff for an exclusive reveal event complete with lunch, activities and a special performance for LeBron.
"To me, this is what being an All Star is all about. I love seeing the kids' eyes light up and their big smiles when they see their new club because I know many of them have been through a lot," said LeBron James. "Boys and Girls clubs were always a safe and nurturing place for me when I was growing up, so it’s important to me and my Foundation that these kids also have a place where they can learn and have fun."
Today’s event was the latest installment of The LeBron James Family Foundation (LJFF) and Sprite’s annual All-Star initiative with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Through this partnership, a local Boys and Girls Club is renovated in each host city and revealed on All-Star Saturday. Over the course of LeBron’s NBA career, numerous clubs across the country have been improved with Sprite’s assistance.
"The Boys & Girls Club Westbank Unit provides its members a safe place where they can come together to be physically active, improve their health and enjoy time with friends," said Kimberly Paige, Associate Vice President, Sprite Brands, The Coca-Cola Company. "Every year, Sprite and the LeBron James Family Foundation partner to renovate a local Boys & Girls Club and leave a legacy that lasts long after NBA All-Star comes to an end."
"We can’t thank LeBron James and Sprite enough for their generosity in renovating not only the Westbank Boys and Girls Club, but also the many Clubs across the country that they have vastly improved," said Frank Sanchez, Vice President, Boys and Girls Clubs of America. "Beyond the physical upgrades that LeBron and his partners have made to our buildings, the time LeBron spends with these youth, encouraging them to be the best that they can be, is truly inspiring to all of us. We are so thankful for everything he does for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, to create Great Futures for our kids."
An in-progress look at the Westbank Unit Boys & Girls Club renovation from local New Orleans affiliate, WGNO:
For more information about the LeBron James Family Foundation’s and Sprite’s All-Star Boys and Girls Club renovations, click here.
