IKandy, the charitable foundation of professional athlete Ike Diogu, recently hosted a back-to-school event for Garland’s Boys & Girls Clubs. The 212 backpacks were filled with supplies specific to each grade level and most were distributed at the Aug. 20 event. Extras were given to Park Crest Elementary School and Calvary Hill Church in Mesquite for needy children in Mexico.
The Salvation Army and the Boys & Girls Clubs are two of Diogu’s favorite service organizations. As a child, Diogu often attended the open gym at the Salvation Army.
The IKandy Foundation is a family affair that provides an opportunity for Ike, along with his parents and siblings, to serve the community. This back-to-school event is one of several of the foundation’s annual community service projects.
Diogu’s mother Jane works diligently to ensure the success of each event and is grateful for the opportunity to give back.
“We really thank God for this opportunity,” she said.
In addition to reaching star status on the Garland High School basketball team, Diogu has played for several NBA teams as well as on the 2012 and 2016 Nigerian Olympic Basketball Team. His parents came to the United States from Nigeria.
Dr. Robert Dunbar who serves as assistant principal at Austin Academy where Diogu attended middle school, was the guest speaker and he encouraged the students to work hard and have a great school year. He asked them to do three things:
- Read something every day.
- Participate in a school activity in addition to required classes. Some suggestions were to play sports, join band or choir or run for student council.
- Do not be afraid to try something new. Take chances. A person might not be good at something in the beginning but will improve over time.
Julian Olalde, IKandy volunteer and Farmers Insurance broker, distributed toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste donated by Community Dental Care along with information on applying for dental insurance.
All attendees were treated to lunch and dessert before receiving their backpacks.
About the 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.
