Terry Dehere, a retired NBA basketball player and legendary Seton Hall Pirate, announced today he has launched The Terry Dehere Endowment Fund. The purpose of the fund is to support 24 major initiatives which will primarily help at-risk students achieve success and fund community beautification projects in underserved neighborhoods.
The number 24 is of major significance to Dehere. In the early 1990s, Dehere led Seton Hall to multiple Big East championships and graduated as the all-time leading scorer for the school and conference. In 1993, the Los Angeles Clippers selected him with 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft. Throughout his stellar basketball career, which includes playing under Hall of Fame Coach Bob Hurley at St. Anthony’s High School, Dehere wore the number 24.
For his achievements on the court and in the classroom, Dehere’s Seton Hall jersey hangs in the rafters at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
“I was once an athlete who did not know how to succeed in the classroom, but with the help of so many great educators, coaches, and mentors, I was able to achieve things I once thought were impossible,” Dehere said. “My challenges were met with a plan which helped me become a true student-athlete. That foundation took me to the NBA, but more importantly it prepared me for a post-basketball career in business and government.
“To whom much is given, much is required. That’s why I’m determined to help at-risk youth realize their potential like so many did for me.”
Highlights from Dehere’s post-NBA career include being elected to the Jersey City Board of Education and developing affordable housing to combat poverty and homelessness. Through The Terry Dehere Endowment Fund, he plans to build learning centers in Northern NJ and Trinidad.
“As a Trinidadian-American, I know the educational issues children face in America and beyond. With the help and support of my fans, friends, and donors, The Terry Dehere Endowment Fund plans to raise $24 million to make that vision a reality.”
Donors who support Dehere’s initiative will be given membership NFTs and offered different initiatives in which they can participate as donors and sponsors. These include K-12 mentoring opportunities, youth travel abroad programs, high education support programs, and global community service initiatives. The Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ), which creates and scales custom philanthropic solutions for purpose-driven individuals, families, and businesses, will host the endowment.
“It’s our privilege to steward Terry Dehere’s philanthropic fund and ensure these 24 annual projects are having the greatest intended impact,” said Hans Dekker, president of the Community Foundation of New Jersey. “Bringing together Terry’s vision and Dr. Jefferson’s leadership with the real needs of at-risk students in New Jersey communities will be an inspiring and impactful effort.”
Dr. David Jefferson, Jr., former Executive Director of President Barak Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative for the City of Newark, has been selected to lead The Terry Dehere Endowment Fund. Under his leadership, Jefferson helped to raise more than $15 million to help black & brown boys overcome racial and educational disparities.
”I am honored to lead this effort on behalf of Mr. Dehere. I believe his endowment will change the lives of so many children who lack the foundation that’s necessary to reach their potential,” Jefferson said. “This effort will reduce the achievement gap for our young men and women.”
Additionally, cash contributions may be made by check payable and mailed to:
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Post Office Box 338
Morristown, New Jersey 07963-0338
For wiring instructions for cash contributions, please contact: Lydia Gracey at (973) 267-5533 or lgracey@cfnj.org