'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQH/8QAIBAAAQMEAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwABAgQREiExYTNCof/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAID/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEC/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDC6wlKEQ4FHEobZRLjiSDN660/PPSic1DfxGftntf6iKmQr//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Lenny Wilkens was not only known for his Hall of Fame basketball career but also for his strong commitment to helping others. During the last 40 years, he was able to give back to the community using his platform, the Lenny Wilkens Foundation. He aimed to help children and families who had to have more access to opportunities and healthcare.
It was the basis of one of the most reputable local charities in Seattle. It contributed to millions of dollars in healthcare programs and the development of the youth. Wilkens thought that it was a way that he could pay back for the life that he lived, and also to ensure that others did not go through what he had previously experienced.
His work, even after his demise, at the age of 88, through his foundation, still demonstrates that the efforts of an individual can make a difference over the years. Wilkens has been accredited by many community leaders and athletes to lead by example in terms of service, compassion, and beyond sports.
The mission behind the Lenny Wilkens Foundation
The Lenny Wilkens Foundation was established to spread caring, equality, and healthcare access. It primarily dealt with families and children who had difficulties locating medical assistance. Wilkens used to mention that as a boy, he had to attend free clinics, and they made him consider what it is like to be in the situation of other people. This life experience formed his life goal.
The foundation collaborated with Seattle's Odessa Brown Children's Clinic. This clinic is a place where families with low income receive the necessary medical and social services. The foundation also assisted the clinic through fundraising and community interactions, which enhanced the programs of that clinic and extended its services.
Lenny Wilkens held such events as annual galas and golf tournaments to raise money and awareness. With time, these initiatives raised over 10 million dollars. The money was used to better facilities, assist children's healthcare schemes and also ensure that the families got the care they required.
Read More: Who was Lenny Wilkens? All about the NBA Hall of Famer as he dies at 88
Building a legacy of community leadership
Lenny Wilkens was of the opinion that leadership was about assisting other people to succeed. This was evident in his foundation, as it was helping to fund youth programs, mentorship, and community outreach. He urged young sportsmen to remain active in their communities and to make a difference in their society through their influence.
He was emulated by many other athletes. Wilkens gave an example to players such as Jamal Crawford and Detlef Schrempf to establish their own community programs. His work demonstrated that an individual could also be successful in giving back after being successful in sports.
Trending
Wilkens, later in his life, still contributed to the local causes by volunteering his time. He attended youth basketball camps and created awareness regarding matters that impacted underserved communities. His impacts went beyond the basketball field, touching lives in Seattle and other parts of the world.
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!
Reply
