CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – On Saturday, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation presented a $25,000 check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Crescent Regions of Charleston.
Charlotte Hornets President of Business Operations Shelly Cayette-Weston said it’s part of their ongoing efforts to invest and create a lasting impact throughout the Carolinas, not just the Charlotte area.
“The core of any community is its youth,” Cayette-Weston said. “We feel like by being here today, to invest $25,000 into a mobile computer lab, that we’re going to be able to reach children and youth in places that may not have access.”
The donation from the Charlotte Hornets Foundation is planned to be used to launch a pop-up computer lab. The goal is to expand digital access and promote AI-enhanced tutoring for more than 1,000 students locally across Charleston and Dorchester counties.
On Saturday afternoon at Bridge View Elementary Charter School, Cayette-Weston, members of the Charlotte Hornets Community Impact Team, and players Moussa Diabate and Liam McNeeley helped present the check. It was presented to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Crescent Region President & CEO Carter Clark and kids involved in the organization, along with the Mayor of the City of North Charleston, Reggie Burgess.
Burgess shared memories of when North Charleston’s own Art Shell returned to North Charleston to host a parade after winning a Super Bowl with the Raiders.
“In 1977, I remember the Raiders came. They were on floats. We didn’t get to touch them, we didn’t get a chance to talk to them,” Burgess said. “Being a young kid back then, and an older man, I want to be able to touch my heroes, feel them.”
Burgess said it’s special to have the Hornets players come down to the Lowcountry and leave their mark.
For the Hornets players, it’s special to give back. Charlotte’s first round draft pick out of the University of Connecticut, Liam McNeeley, was one of the players interacting with Charleston kids on Saturday.
“I was in their shoes, I was looking up to the NBA players,” McNeeley said. “That’s what I wanted to do. So, to be able to inspire these kids and give back, it’s just amazing.”
The Hornets team has spent the last week holding fall camp at McAlister Field House on the campus of the The Citadel.
On Sunday, they will play their first preseason game against the reigning NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, here in North Charleston.
Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum.
As for the Hornets Community Impact Team, Cayette-Weston says this will not be the last time they show up in the Lowcountry community.
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