Morris Peterson Jr. was a tremendous athlete. But, he’s an even better man. Morris attended Michigan State University and helped lead the Spartans to the 2000 NCAA Men’s Basketball title. His #42 jersey is one of the few retired by the school that has seen many great basketball players.
After college Morris played for 11 years in the NBA, retiring in 2011. Has athletic accolades are significant. His work since retiring, meaningful. Morris established the Morris Peterson Jr. Foundation in his hometown of Flint, Mi. His desire? To help the community that launched his success. To date, thousands in the Flint area have been positively affected by his foundation.
Morris has always had a desire to give back. He understands that his successes were not only the result of hard work on his part. But, also the guidance and sacrifices of his family and the support of the community. That’s why it’s important for him to help youth. He was once where they are and knows that he was blessed so that he can be a blessing to others. A big part of the foundations work centers on dental care for youth from low-income families.
Giving the Gift of Good Dental Health
The Morris Peterson Jr. Foundation’s dental initiative provides access to free and affordable dental care. Their focus is health education and preventative services for economically disadvantaged individuals in and around the Flint, Michigan area. They have partnered with the Michigan Dental Association, community organizations, and local dentists to provide dental services such as: oral surgery, braces, caps, fillings, dental implants, extractions and much more. These services will be for underprivileged youth whose household income is at or below poverty guidelines.
Back Packs
Every parent knows the cost of buying supplies for their kids to go back to school. Teachers send lists of supplies needed for that classrooms that families are expected to donate. For low-income families, this can be a major expense. Especially for those with multiple school-age children.
For the 5th consecutive year, the Morris Peterson Jr. Foundation is giving away 500 backpacks filled with school supply essentials. The Back-to-School Extravaganza will be held this year in Flint’s Iroquois Park.
St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, a long-time sponsor provides workspace for volunteers to pack the packs. They also store the finished packs until the day of the event.
It is an Extravaganza
The event kicks off at 11 am this Saturday, August 18th and goes until 2 pm. You must register for the free backpack, so be prepared to stand-in-line as the 500 are allocated. The Extravaganza is not just about free backpacks.
We talked to Tonda Peterson-Bryant, she is the Executive Director of The Morris Peterson Jr. Foundation. Tonda told us, “It’s all about kids having fun, while their parents save some money. There will be bounce houses, face-painting, and food. There will even be haircuts in preparation for that first day back to school.”
Sponsors
In addition to the Morris Peterson Jr. Foundation a host of local sponsors have donated to the cause. Charities like St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church, World Artist Refuge, United Way of Genessee. This year the Foundation is working to double the amount of free stuff they are able to give away.
We heard about the event from General Manager Ryan Valade at Grand Blanc Mitsubishi. “We were approached to join this year’s Back-to-School Extravaganza. The cause addresses a need in our community. Grand Blanc Mitsubishi is proud to be a part of the event. We committed to also help get the word out.”
Questions, Help, Donate
For more information about the event call 810-234-6609 or email the Foundation at info@morrispetersonjrfoundation.org.
It’s not too late to donate and help with such an impactful cause in our community. It’s certainly not too late to plan on attending.
