NBA All-Star and Clippers point guard Chris Paul partnered with insurance group State Farm to launch the “Exist to Assist” community outreach program on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The Brotherhood Crusade was the first stop of the program, where Paul met and talked to youth benefitting from the organization.
“We’re trying to get out into the community and give kids an opportunity and show them that just because you grow up on the other side of town doesn’t that you shouldn’t have the opportunities that other kids have,” said Paul.
The “Exist to Assist” program consists of the Chris Paul Family Foundation collaborating with State Farm to assist community outreach projects in cities throughout the country. Along with Paul, State Farm Brand Content Director Patty Morris and Brotherhood Crusade CEO Charisse Bremond Weaver also spoke to the youth.
“We are thrilled to be here in partnership with Chris Paul and the Chris Paul Family Foundation,” said Morris. “State Farm and Chris’ Foundation share a passion for strengthening communities.”
Prior to the students meeting with Paul, Los Angeles Board of Education member George McKenna spoke with the children.
“The most important thing you can get out of this is that wherever you get in life, you give back; you don’t just keep going,” McKenna said.
Board chairman Danny Bakewell Sr. was also in attendance to thank the foundation and State Farm for donating to the Brotherhood Crusade.
“We believe in Chris Paul and we believe that he does the right thing,” said Bakewell. “He represents the kind of standard and kind of image that we need in our community.”
Paul discussed the importance of resisting peer pressure and serving the community. He also talked about growing up and learning lessons in the past that have helped him in his current life.
“I remember I worked in an after school program.” said Paul. “These different types of things in the community are always good.”
Tyrie Payne, a 22 year-old participant in the Brotherhood Crusade programs felt that Paul encouraged the youth to strive for the future.
“He came to enlighten the children, the teenagers, giving us hope,” said Payne.
The campaign will allow the Brotherhood Crusade to provide resources to more youth and renovate their radio broadcast studio. New amenities will include smartboards and Apple products. The Brotherhood Crusade serves 3000 students and offers classes in partnership with West LA College, according to Weaver.
“It’s a game changer for our community,” said Weaver. “it’s not that we are forgotten, we deserve the best.”
