JR Smith- Casino Night
JR Smith of the Cleveland Cavaliers raised 45k Friday March 26th, at Stage 48 in Manhattan, for his non-profit foundation. The JR Smith Foundation held its first annual Casino Night to support its mission to ‘provide opportunities and support for young people through education, sports and other activities through scholarships and grants designed to further their goals.’
“My dad taught me when I was very young to take care of the youth and the youth gotta take care of the next.” -JR Smith
Guest enjoyed a night of gambling while being treated to cocktails provided by Hennessy; a chance to bid on amazing items in a silent auction; and enjoyed the company of distinguished guests like Iman Shumpert and Jaiquawn Jarrett, and fellow philanthropist Victor Cruz;
“We haven’t forgotten our roots, we haven’t forgotten where we’ve come from and that is what we instill in our daughters and in our community.” -Victor Cruz
As the tables where rocking, it was hard to miss a special guest who wore a million dollar smile the entire night. Special Olympics gold medalist and long-time friend of brothers Chris and JR Smith, Brad Hennifer, of the Golf for Life foundation for children with Down syndrome, was having the time of his life.
“This is a great family. I love JR Smith and Chris Smith a lot. They’re my best best brothers I ever had.” Brad
Brad and JR met about eight years ago at a golf tournament and have been friends ever since. Brad’s father and founder of the Golf for Life tournament Bob, explained that “Jr’s been such an inspiration to Brad and the relationship is just genuine.”
It was said the part of the proceeds from the casino night would be donated to the Golf for Life foundation.
As the night wrapped up guests engaged in an intense game of poker then left with party favors from sponsors like Casper Mattress and The Crep Protect.
“An event like this is just right up our stream, it’s a perfect for us. Back home in London we do a lot of work with charity that takes a similar stance too. We give back to the children and help fund for experiences like days out, coaches, and wheelchairs and things like that.” -Jason Black founder of The Crep Protect .
And Recovery Pump;
“When we (Recovery Pump) heard about this opportunity, we so wanted to get behind it. We are a company that cares and we heard about the JR Smith foundation and how it helps disadvantaged youth and we said what a great opportunity.” - Brenda V, Recovery Pump
All night Smith kept expressing his gratitude and emphasized the need to invest in others.
” We as people have to do a better job of investing in other people. Because at the end of the day this is all we have. You can’t die with your money; you’re not gunna die with your car, so investing is huge and well take it from there.”
To learn more about the Jr Smith Foundation visit TheJRSmithFoundation.com
