Saturday, Aug. 18, IKandy, the charitable foundation of Ike Diogu, hosted a back-to-school event during which a number of Garland children received backpacks filled with school supplies for the new school year. Ike was a basketball standout at Garland High School before he attended college and went on to play for several NBA teams. He also played on the 2012 and 2016 Nigerian Olympic basketball teams.
The Chik-fil-A Restaurant in Rowlett is a chief sponsor of the backpack event and provided lunches for all attendees. The Chik-fil-A Cow was also there to entertain the kids. Ike’s mother, Jane, who runs the foundation, expressed deep gratitude to Chik-fil-A for their support and assistance.
The event was held at Garland’s First Presbyterian Church and church member Cheryl Clark provided valuable assistance to the group and helped make the event a success.
Julian Olalde, IKandy board member, served as emcee.
Garland ISD Board of Trustees member Linda Griffin kicked off the event with a prayer and a rousing speech to help motivate the students. She reminded them that education is the key to a successful future.
“My prayer this morning is for your success,” she said.
Dr. Robert Dunbar, the Austin Academy assistant principal, also talked to the kids about how to have a successful school year. He also reminded them of the importance of reading. Dunbar was at Austin Academy when Ike was a middle school student.
“Ike Diogu was serious about school and I know that you are serious about school,” he said.
Jane runs the foundation with the help of her family and the foundation’s board and everyone involved works diligently throughout the year to bring this event to Garland ISD children. The organization also hosts an annual Christmas party. Jane, her family and board members, are grateful for the opportunity to help the community. More than 200 backpacks were distributed by the foundation this year.
About Ikandy Foundation: The mission of the foundation is to provide empowerment, resources and leadership opportunities to equip our next generation of leaders, from all walks of life, to believe, to achieve and to succeed. Through community events and charitable endowments, the foundation achieves its goals of inspiring and equipping a new generation. Each year, the foundation facilitates a number of opportunities for kids to learn to give back, grow and change for the better.
For more information, visit www.ikandyfoundation.com.