Harrington Giving Back
Former St. Patrick's star Al Harrington announced the formation of the Al Harrington Foundation in a reception in West Orange Thursday night. After six speakers from the different charities spoke briefly and gave thanks. Harrington was introduced by former NJ Governor Richard Codey. Codey praised Harrington: "As someone who is what's right with professional athletes." Harrington said he wanted to make a difference.
Harrington thanked his family, saying he was blessed, and not only when Comissioner David Stern announced his name in the NBA Draft 10 years ago, but when he was born into a wonderful family. The impetus of the Foundation was last year while doing some charity work for the Golden State Warriors, providing essential items for needy families. He was taken aback by the number of needy families right here in America. He decided he wanted to make a difference in people's lives and leave a legacy for his family with the Foundation.
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Among the other speakers were DR Sharpe from the Roadrunners AAU Program and St. Patrick's High School Principal Joe Piccaro.
Golden State Warriors teammates Patrick Jackson and Monta Ellis were also on hand showing support for Harrington.
Harrington remembers where he comes from as a the charities are heavily involved in NJ. Two of the beneficiaries of the Foundation are his AAU team the Roadrunners and his former high school St. Patrick's.
The Charities involved with the Al Harrington Foundation are:
AAU - NJ Roadrunners
State of NJ - Dept of Children and Family
Prevent Child Abuse, NJ
Stop Drop Your Gun
St. Patrick High School
The Valerie Fund
Harrington was rated as the #1 player in the state in the May 1998 NJ Hoops Newsletter and went straight from St. Patrick's High School to the NBA.
NJ Hoops is published by a former NJ college coach and scout for the past 18 years whose full-time career for the past four years is covering NJ basketball.
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