Two respected executives enlisted to launch and lead $4.1 million Full Circle capital campaign;
The Zilber Family Foundation ignites fundraising efforts with $1 million in gifts and pledges;
Press conference to announce the capital campaign slated for June 6 at 11 a.m.
Milwaukee Bucks Vice President of Player and Organizational Development Craig Robinson and Clifton Phelps, Vice President of Business Development at JCP Construction, have been tabbed by the Running Rebels Community Organization (RRCO) to launch and lead its $4.1 million Full Circle capital campaign. RRCO purchased and will operate a second community center on Milwaukee’s north side (225 W. Capitol Dr.) to increase its capacity to serve the area’s youth and families.
Robinson, a Chicago native and former standout basketball player and coach, felt an immediate connection to the Running Rebels and its long history of using basketball and athletics as a youth development tool.
“The Milwaukee Bucks are huge advocates of mentoring and I’m honored to be working alongside Clifton on this important campaign,” said Robinson. “Our organization has partnered with the Rebels on a wide variety of programs. When we’re with the Rebels, it’s apparent that the empowerment instilled in them is present. They show up and are fully engaged – whether for the Bucks ‘Own Your Future’ programs, ‘Take Your Mentee to Work Day,’ or ‘Mentoring Mondays’. Bucks legend Marques Johnson along with some of our current players and I have spent a good deal of time at the original location. This new facility will truly allow the Rebels to broaden and deepen their work in our community.”
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Phelps is a long-time supporter and current board member of the Running Rebels who is enthusiastic about helping the organization expand to a second building and increase its capacity to provide programs that empower youth.
“The new community center will increase the Running Rebels capacity to provide after school programs in art, music, academics and athletics,” said Phelps. “These programs empower our youth and set them up for success as adults.”
The new community center located at 225 West Capitol Dr. in the beautiful Harambee neighborhood will triple the RRCO operating space and include a gymnasium, cafeteria, catering kitchen, computer labs and offices for its 125 person staff. The $4.1 million capital campaign will support the purchase of the property, fund improvements to the original Fond du Lac Ave. community center, create a building reserve fund and provide resources to support programs for hundreds of additional youth and families each year.
RRCO has secured more than $1 million in gifts and pledges to date. The Zilber Family Foundation, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and neighborhoods – especially in the City of Milwaukee – awarded a $500,000 lead gift in November 2016 and pledged an additional $500,000 as a challenge grant to close the campaign. A wide array of community partners, including IFF, the Milwaukee Bucks, Alderwoman Milele Coggs and Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton, have provided additional support.
Running Rebels Full Circle Capital Campaign Announcement
Who: Bucks Vice President of Player and Organizational Development Craig Robinson,
JCP Construction Vice President of Business Development Clifton Phelps,
Full Circle capital campaign committee members, Running Rebels board and staff,
and community partners
When: Tuesday, June 6,
11:00 a.m.
Where:
Running Rebels East Community Center
225 W. Capitol Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
About the Running Rebels
The Running Rebels Community Organization ENGAGES the community, youth, and their families, PREVENTS involvement in gangs, drugs, violence and the juvenile justice system, INTERVENES and guides youth by assisting them with making positive choices, and COACHES youth through their transition into adulthood. We accomplish this through building relationships with youth and providing the resources and skills necessary for them to become thriving, connected, and contributing adult members of our community. For more information contact Ptosha Davis (Ptosha.Davis@runningrebels.org).
