"We are thrilled:" Milwaukee Bucks launch new charitable foundation

MILWAUKEE -- June is a very big month for the Milwaukee Bucks. They will break ground on a new arena, they're getting some new players through the draft, and they also have started a new charitable foundation.

"Own the Future" has been the Bucks slogan the past year, as the young team homes to be building towards a championship team. Now the organization is also hoping to help the future off the court.

"Today, we are thrilled to launch the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation," said Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin.

With that announcement, the Bucks are now the 24th NBA team to start a charitable foundation.

"Not only do we want to inspire them with our play on the court, the Milwaukee Bucks Foundation is going to do more to lift them up throughout the community," said Jamie Dinan, Bucks ownership group.

The foundation will focus its attention on three areas. One being basic community betterment. That's evident with a $25,000 donation to "MKE Plays."

The money will be used to revitalize a north side plot of land.

"We will put that money to great use at the playground on 55th and Wright," said Milwaukee Department of Public Works, Sandy Rusch Walton.

Another focus, youth education. The Penfield Children's Center receiving $25,000 from the foundation. They help children with developmental delays or disabilities and will expand who they help with the opening of the Penfield Montessori Academy this fall.

"What's it going to be like when we take these children from birth to early adolescence to imagine what full potential truly means. We're not saying it happens at age three but it happens as our kids enter high school on track with their peers and ready to graduate," said Jason Parry, Penfield Children's Center.

The third focus will be youth health and wellness. $25,000 going to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee -- an organization very near and dear to at least one Bucks player.

"I was raised at a Boys & Girls Club, my dad worked at the Boys & Girls Club on the west side of Chicago and all throughout my life I've been a part of the organization and after school programs for the Boys & Girls Club that helped me with basketball and helped with my career," said Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks player.

Anthony LaPoint is the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee's Youth of the Year, and thankful for the Bucks involvement.

"To have the owner of the Bucks, to have professional players here like Jabari Parker and Steve Novak, to come and show that they care about people in my position that need help it means a lot," said LaPoint.

Anthony is graduating from North Division High School this year, and then heading to UW-Whitewater in the fall. Something he says couldn't have been done without the Boys & Girls Club.

"The Boys & Girls Club has also helped me hurdle many obstacles over the last few years, including the death of both my grandparents. While also cultivating many of my talents including art, music and sports. So that being said, where I'd be without this organization is a mystery," said LaPoint.

While on the court the Bucks hope to own the future. The newly created Bucks Foundation thinks the future is now.

"Our mission is simple, improve the quality of life for youth and families in Wisconsin," said Feigin.

Another part of the Bucks Foundation is the "Volundeers" program -- which allows team employees 16 paid hours per year to volunteer their time to the community.