NBA player and club alumnus Justin Holiday visits the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena – Pasadena Now

The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena was bustling Monday morning as guests awaited the arrival of NBA player Justin Holiday and his family.

At the appointed hour, Justin and his wife Shekinah arrived with their two young daughters, Justin’s mother Toya, his brother Aaron and a group of other people who had played an important role in his young life at the club and the fun began.

The visit began with Justin, along with his brother and fellow NBA player Aaron, leading the club’s kids through various basketball skill-building exercises. Justin then told them how the club shaped him growing up.

“The club taught me basketball, but it also helped shape my character. I was able to watch guys like (former club coach and director) Joe Ford who showed me how to be a man,” Justin recalled. The club kids had the opportunity to ask Justin questions, including one about Justin’s most memorable NBA game. Justin answered that it was the game he played with his two brothers. Justin and Aaron’s brother, Jrue Holiday, also plays in the NBA and will be a member of the U.S. Olympic basketball team in Paris this summer.

Long-time store manager and basketball coach Joe Ford also spoke to the club kids and challenged them to think about what the club means to them and explained the importance of giving back to the club when they grow up, just like Justin does today. BGCP Executive Director Lisa Cavelier also presented Justin with a custom BGCP basketball jersey that was signed by the club members.

The visit also included a tour of the remodeled Mackenzie-Scott Clubhouse and refreshments with club board members David Blazek, Robert Fong, Jerell Hill, Morgan Kim and other club alumni. Lisa noted, “We are so grateful to the Holiday family for their support over the years and for their visit here today. The support Justin received from his close-knit family and the club, and the values ​​instilled in him from a young age, clearly demonstrate that he and his brothers had a strong foundation for success – not only in sport, but in life. We are so proud to call him a club alumnus.”

Since 1937, the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena has enriched the lives of young people in our community, enabling them to reach their full potential as productive, caring, healthy and responsible citizens. BGCP serves more than 2,000 youth ages 5-18 annually and focuses on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and leadership skills. The club experience fills the gap between school and home year-round, providing a welcoming, safe and positive environment where children and youth have fun, participate in life-changing programs, make friends and find encouragement from caring adults. The club operates two main clubhouses in Pasadena: Slavik Branch on E. Del Mar Blvd. and Mackenzie-Scott Branch on N. Fair Oaks Avenue; and two clubhouses on school campuses on the Odyssey Charter Schools campuses in Pasadena and Altadena. www.bgcpasadena.org