MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Bucks' Pat Connaughton is being honored by the Neighborhood House of Milwaukee after he made a major donation to the organization.
Back in September, Connaughton gave a large donation to refurbish the 1967 gym at Neighborhood House of Milwaukee.
"It [the donation] nearly took our collective breath away,” said Executive Director, Jeff Martinka.
Now, the organization is thanking Connaughton during its 75th Year of Service kick-off event. The event is going to be their 30th annual gala where they usually honor longtime supporters and volunteers.
This year, however, they are honoring Connaughton by naming him the honorary chair of the gala. According to Martinka, it was a unanimous decision.
“Our kids love the gym and play all sorts of sports there. I wanted them to have a quality gym that they could be really proud of and that had updated safety conditions,” said Director of Programs, Norm McGee.“We were even more delighted when he [Connaughton] accepted our attempt to thank the With Us Foundation, him, and the Milwaukee Bucks for creating such a wonderful change to our facility and more importantly for our children."
According to the Neighborhood House, Connaughton’s With Us Foundation gift was further enhanced when the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation stepped in and donated a new scoreboard, replacing the current one that has not worked for years.
“While this year’s event will be virtual, Connaughton’s involvement will bring a very special air of energy and excitement," McGee said.
“I was happy to become more involved with Neighborhood House,” Connaughton said. “I was not only taken by what the organization does, I really felt a connection with the youth I met when I visited. I want to establish and grow a relationship with them. I look forward to returning there as soon as we can all be safe and work directly with their youth. I’m in this for the long run.”
