Andre Drummond Gives $15,000 to the YMCA

From the YMCA
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The Northern Middlesex County YMCA is pleased to announce that we have received a $15,000 grant from the Drummond Foundation. Funds received from Drummond support teen programs including, Andre’s Allstars, a program open to youth over the age of 12 which currently provides support to over 30 participants.

“Giving back to the city of Middletown is something I take pride in,” said Andre Drummond.

“Growing up as a kid, I didn’t have an athlete who came into town and help to start programs for my peers and me. The YMCA gave us somewhere to go and work on all of our skills both on and off the court. I give back because I want the kids of future generations to have better opportunities of doing great things with their life. I encourage kids to challenge themselves each day, and critique their work on and off the court. With focus and hardwork, you can create the unimaginable. I am fortunate enough that I am in the position to give back to a place where it all started. Thank you.”

 “For many of our teens the YMCA is a second home; they come almost every day and are able to have positive experiences with peers and staff alike,” explained Michele Rulnick, President/CEO of the Northern Middlesex County YMCA.

“Without Andre Drummond’s support, we would not have the ability to generate this level of engagement essential to our mission of youth and community development. We are excited by the possibility of creating more programs, which extend our impact into our community, made possible by the creation of our Teen Team. We look forward to continuing to enhance the Andre’s Allstars scholarships through programs at the Y, in the schools, and throughout the community."

All participants receive a complimentary membership. The funding has also provided an opportunity for additional programming such as basketball skill clinics and S.T.O.R.M.Y Nights (Spend Time Out Relaxing at the Middlesex Y), a program designed to bring middle school kids into the Y for supervised activities on Friday evenings. Many Andre’s Allstars scholarship recipients have also participated in YMCA youth basketball leagues.