Orbach Group Chairman and Minnesota Timberwolves minority owner Meyer Orbach announced a new partnership supporting basketball and education in Harlem.
A $20,000 charitable donation from The Orbach Group will help support free-one-on-one tutoring, free SAT prep, and the orange emblem anti-gun violence campaign led by the New York RENS.
Orbach presented the check during an event at at The Kennedy Center in Harlem attended by Council Member Inez Dickens and the NY RENS Basketball Association.
“Basketball is more than a game, it teaches teamwork, fosters camaraderie and helps kids grow in so many ways,” said Orbach.
“We are thrilled to come together with our partners in the community and government to help bring a bright future to every child in Harlem. Beyond that, we look forward to the day the Timberwolves select a RENS player in the NBA Draft – and coming right back to Harlem to celebrate that.”
Council Member Inez Dickens commented, “Programs like this aren’t possible without generous support like this donation from the Orbach Group, demonstrating the connection between the community and business.
“This is a great example for everyone of how when we work together we can give children the opportunity to learn and grow right here in Harlem.”
Thanking Orbach for the donation, Andy Borman, Executive Director and Head Coach for NY RENS U17, said, “It’s people like him who go out of their way to help children and allow us to fulfill our mission; free-one-on-one tutoring, free SAT prep, and our orange emblem anti-gun violence campaign. His generosity is extraordinary.”
NY RENS Basketball Association aims to train exceptional student-athletes who understand and embrace the fundamental principles of basketball, develop good sportsmanship, exhibit positive athletic and personal conduct, and excel in athletic competition.
NY RENS’ sports programs work to teach students about sports in a constructive environment that strongly encourages personal development through rigorous academic initiatives rewarded by educational incentives; as well as reinforce the values of hard work, dedication and excellence.
This year, the RENS launched a state-of-the-art academic tutoring partnership with St. Francis College in Brooklyn, providing one-on-one tutors for RENS youngsters, grades five through eight in subjects including language arts, math, science, history and foreign languages. The program also offers free SAT prep for RENS high school sophomores and juniors.
The Orbach Group’s donation will support the provision of tutors to provide academic support to middle school and high school students.
