Chester Children Share Court with College Players at Basketball Clinic

The children of Youth Development United were treated to a basketball clinic at the Chester Boys & Girls Club, hosted by Lafayette College basketball players and enthusiasts. Larry Pear, a Lafayette senior, a Philadelphia native and a tremendous role model, ran the event and brought along Lafayette gear to hand out to the eager children.

Prior to the event, Larry singlehandedly collected a remarkable 64 donations totalling $1,554 to help cover expenses including pizza, fruit and care packages for all. Each participating child also took home a basketball thanks in part to YDU’s partnership with Leveling the Playing Field.

This was Larry’s second time achieving such a remarkable feat, having collected $1,421 to support a similar event last year.

Larry was motivated to make these basketball clinics happen after being matched with Lafayette alumnae Jeannine Anckaitis, Executive Director of Youth Development United, in Lafayette’s impactful externship program.

Through externships, students learn about alumni’s career path. Larry was interested in learning about facilitating youth sports in marginalized communities based on his own personal childhood experience, which he shared here.

“Larry took it one step - no, two steps! - beyond, not only learning about operating a non-profit but also running every element of an event and building a tradition that the community really appreciates,” commented Anckaitis. “We are grateful and impressed, and hope to have Larry and the Lafayette squad back again next year.”

The timing of the event lended itself to be included in YDU’s Delco Gives campaign. This fundraising initiative aimed to inspire giving from new donors, and qualified YDU for additional funds beyond what Larry raised.

Thank you Larry and Lafayette College basketball players and enthusiasts, for coming to Chester to play with us!