by Norma Schwartzberg
Up2Us Sports organization had its gala on May 8th at Gustavinos to raise funds to continuo the great work this wonderful and inspiring organization is doing.
Sara Spain
sports journalist from ESPN, was the emcee for the gala conducting the celebration of great accomplished by Up2Us Sports.
Danita Johnson
President of Business Operations DC united SBJ 40 under 40, Essence Power 40, gave a warm welcome to all attendees with a smile telling a brief history and what UP2US SPORTS is all about, and how this organization is helping young people.
She believes in the power of coaching, and being a mentor to inspired young people have a important impact on them.
She was awarded during the evening with the
She Changes the Game Award
for her extraordinary role model leadership
***
Followed by an inspirational video addressing the dramatic issue is taking place in schools nation wide about bullying.
***
Zachary Weiner Co-founder of Overtime, was awarded with the
Innovation Award
he addressed the audience to express his gratitude to all the sponsors, supporters, and to all attendees for their support.
National Coach of the Year Award
went to
Rory Robinson
He recognized the need to guide kids today more than ever, he is Christian and believe in God, he is a father of three and dedicated coach.
Chuck Lott
was the auctioneer for the gala, aid it by Rory Robinson. Some of the interesting items were the followed,
-Private Villa in Tuscany for 10 people start $8,000 sold for $10,000
NY Nicks Game day experience $2,000-
- Goodyear Blimp Experience $2,000-sold for $2000
---Final Press Release---
NEW YORK CITY (May 8th, 2024) – Up2Us Sports, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to mentoring youth through coaching and sports, welcomed leaders from the sports, finance, and entertainment world to its 2024 Sneaker Ball on Wednesday, May 8th. The inspiring event was held at Guastavino’s in Manhattan. The funds raised will go towards training coaches in sports-based youth development and placing them in under-resourced communities.
ESPN's Sarah Spain, a renowned sports journalist, and the evening's emcee, led an impressive program honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the field. Zachary Weiner, co-founder of Overtime, received the Innovation Award for his groundbreaking work, while Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations at D.C. United, was recognized with the She Changes The Game® Award for her exemplary leadership. Rory Robinson from Coatesville, PA, was celebrated as the 2024 Up2Us Sports National Coach of the Year, highlighting his dedication and impact.
The event commenced with a lively cocktail hour featuring a live band, a 360 Photo Booth, a custom Laces Bar, and more. Attendees had the opportunity to mingle with prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Sandra Bernhard, Famke Janssen, and Adam Glassman, adding to the evening's glamour and excitement.
"The Up2Us Sports Sneaker Ball celebrates and brings attention to the power of coaches to positively impact the lives of youth across the nation,” said Paul Caccamo, Founder & CEO of Up2Us Sports. Up2Us Sports is the only national service program for coaching in America, and we work with communities at the grassroots level. “This event is an opportunity to bring many different people from many different communities and sectors together to rally for our mission, and we’re so grateful to those who showed up to support our work. They’re ultimately showing up for kids all over the country.”
The silent auction featured sports and entertainment memorabilia from superstars, including Taylor Swift, Jimmy Buffett, Serena Williams, Jalen Brunson, Steph Curry, Lionel Messi, Mike Tyson, and Coco Gauff.
The Up2Us Sports Sneaker Ball is the most significant fundraiser of the year, celebrating the remarkable Up2Us Sports coaches and honorees who are advancing mentorship and altering the trajectory of at-risk youth’s lives through sports.
Major corporations, including NBA Cares, Skechers, PepsiCo, FOX Corp, Verizon, SCORE Sports, DICKs Sporting Goods, Covington, Charlesbank, Leeds Equity, and Cranemere sponsored the event.
For more information on Up2Us Sports, visit www.Up2UsSports.org.
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About Up2Us Sports
Established in 2010, Up2Us Sports is the nationwide leader in engaging and training sports-based youth development coaches, practitioners, and organizations to address the most pressing issues facing youth in under-resourced urban communities. Up2Us Sports does this through the following programs: Up2Us Coach, Up2Us VISTA, and Up2Us Training. Up2Us Sports’ research, training, and on-the-ground initiatives empower sports programs across the country to become a united force for meaningful change. To date, Up2Us Sports has reached nearly 100,000 youth by placing over 5,000 coaches and capacity-building service members in underserved urban communities.
From left to right
Rory Robinson, Danita Johnson, Paul Caccamo, and Zachary Weiner
Rory Robinson and Famke Janssen
(Dutch actress)
Sara Spain
from ESPN
Cay Young and Danita Johnson ( on the right)
