NEW YORK – Two weeks after announcing a partnership with the New York Urban League, the Columbia men's basketball program has raised over $28,000 for the civil rights organization after hosting a fundraiser on December 30. The Lions performed several short holiday stories and sang carols live on Columbia Athletics' official YouTube channel while asking for donations throughout the evening.
"We are truly overwhelmed by the amount of support our Columbia basketball family has shown to this cause," said head coach Jim Engles. "Our student-athletes and staff had a great time putting this performance together and are grateful for everyone's generosity. On behalf of our entire program, I want to thank everyone that donated and watched the show. We are proud to be involved with the New York Urban League, a great organization that is located right in our backyard. I'm looking forward to being able to do more with them in person once we are all back together."
"The New York Urban League is pleased to partner with the Columbia men's basketball team not only on this fundraiser but on on-going efforts to create a more just and equitable New York," stated President and CEO Arva Rice. "We look forward to more opportunities to introduce the young scholar athletes to the communities that are in need of positive role models. Thank you to each of the team members and staff who helped make last night such a success and the generous donors who helped us exceed the fundraising goal."
Please click here to donate and learn more about the Urban League.
ABOUT NEW YORK URBAN LEAGUE
For the past 100 years, we have inspired, influenced and ignited over one million Black people to achieve their highest potential. We are committed to elevating the circumstances that create inequalities in the lives of Black New York by headlining the issues and inspiring actions to eradicate them. At our core we believe that INEQUALITY IS UNACCEPTABLE. This guiding principle drives steadfast work of enabling African Americans and other underserved communities to secure equity. Through direct service delivery, advocacy, referrals, community capacity building, information dissemination and technical assistance, the League accomplishes its mission to empower communities and change lives.
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