20 Second Timeout

Zo's Summer Groove Begins on July 11

Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning founded Alonzo Mourning Charities (AMC) in 1997. Since that time, AMC has raised more than $6 million to help children and families who are living in at-risk situations. The annual centerpiece of AMC's efforts is Zo's Summer Groove (ZSG), which will be held from July 11-July 15 in Miami. Zo's Summer Groove features Nike ZSG Youth Basketball Clinics conducted by NBA players, plus motivational speakers who will emphasize the importance of applying discipline and persistence not only on the basketball court but also in the game of life. There will also be an Aquafina ZSG Youth Summit in which teenagers will have an open forum to talk with community leaders, entertainers and athletes.

In addition to these programs, there will be various fundraising activities, including the City Furniture ZSG Golf Classic on Thursday July 12, the Heineken ZSG Comedy Show/Concert at Hard Rock Live (featuring Mike Epps, Gary Owen, Marvin Dixon and Benji Brown) on Friday July 13, the Publix ZSG Benefit Dinner on Saturday July 14 and the Volkswagen ZSG Block Party on Sunday July 15. Immediately after the Block Party, ZSG will conclude with the Carnival Cruise Lines ZSG All-Star Basketball Game, which always includes some of the best players in the NBA.

After Mourning's parents divorced when he was a child, he lived with Fanny Threet, a family friend who became his foster parent. Mourning says, "To people thinking of becoming foster parents, I want to stress that there’s a need; kids out there need help. To children living in foster homes, I want you to know that you should feel fortunate regardless of how bad your situation is. There are people who care and believe in you." His experiences growing up fueled his desire to use his prominent position as a famous athlete to help others.

For more information about Alonzo Mourning Charities and Zo's Summer Groove--including how to purchase tickets for the events listed above--click here.

posted by David Friedman @ 6:24 AM

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