A basketball legend is lending a huge helping hand to a local Boys and Girls Club.
Former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal and his development partner Boraie Development LLC vowed to donate at least $25,000 to the struggling Atlantic City Boys and Girls Club.
Earlier this month, officials temporarily closed the club and suspended all operations until the fall. A letter was sent out to parents citing financial difficulties as the reason for the temporary shutdown.
The decision was made just as hundreds of excited children in the area prepared for summer camp.
Around 1600 children belong to the club and nearly 200 attend after school programs there every day. Officials say fewer donations and grants and increased membership left the non-profit about $150,000 in debt.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Since NBC10’s initial report, officials say calls poured in from the community, including several from casinos in Atlantic City, offering to contribute donations.
The Atlantic City Press reports that city councilman Aaron “Sporty” Randolph also reached out to O’Neal and Wasseem Boraie of Boraie Development LLC, a real estate development company.
Boraie and O’Neal agreed to donate at least $25,000 to the Boys and Girls Club. O’Neal has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Boys and Girls Club in his native Newark, New Jersey.
Atlantic City councilman Marty Small also told the AC Press that O’Neal plans to auction off his sports memorabilia during a June 13 event at the Revel in order to raise more money.
Officials at the AC Boys and Girls Club have two weeks to come up with the $150,000 they owe in order to open for a limited summer program.
Click here to find out how you can become a sponsor or make a donation to the club.
