WellesleyWeston Magazine

SUMMER 2017

Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.

Issue link: https://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/i/819093

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 159 of 219

To date, Good Sports has provided over $20 million worth of sporting equipment through 4,500 donations to benefit over 3,000,000 children in all 50 states. Good Sports is one of a handful of organiza- tions that has had a four-star rating by Charity Navigator for three years or more. Good Sports also provides a value to its philanthropic partners by providing up to $2 in equipment for every $1 of financial support. Looking ahead, the organization plans to have an impact on over six million kids by 2023 through donations of $30 million in equipment. "We'll continue offering a great value to donors — and reaching more kids who can play more and for longer," says Keswick. One Wellesley couple strongly believes in Good Sports' mission. "We have grandchildren we want to make the world a better place for," say Lynne and Gary Smith. "Good Sports tackles obesity by allowing youth, particularly those at risk, to participate in sports who probably wouldn't otherwise, and benefit from exercise and social development." Lynne adds, "I serve on the committee to solicit items from local merchants to auction off at events. We're thrilled to support such an effective and impressive organization." Hano and Hyatt stood firm in their belief that every child should have a chance to play sports. Good Sports has accomplished a lot, but the work is not done. The organization will continue to provide the oppor- tunity for kids to be active, year-round. TO LEARN MORE or get involved, visit www.goodsports.org. Good Sports is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GSportsInc and Instagram @goodsportsinc. Kids can help too by "partying like a good sport" at a special event or birthday party that raises money for Good Sports. based on requests that come in (all online since 2012) and some donors provide what they have. About half of the requests are fulfilled. The requester must undergo a due-diligence process. If they can show the donations will go to kids in need, and measure their impact, they are approved for two years. In 2007, Good Sports expanded into Providence and beyond. The team figured if their strong business model could work in Boston, it could be replicated elsewhere. But the recession the following year proved especially challenging. It was harder to get donors and they had to push forward with more creative fundraising. Harper and Keswick took pay cuts to keep employees. But the team maintained relationships and kept forming them, and came out strong. Today, Good Sports has offices in New York City and Chicago, and works closely with teams, coaches, athletic directors, and community leaders nationwide to focus on specific hardships and provide kids in need with equipment and apparel. P H O T O S B Y G O R D O N W A L E K ( L E F T ) ; C H A R L I E C O U R Y , A P P L E V I D E O & P H O T O G R A P H Y S T U D I O ( T O P R I G H T ) ; A N D L A B R O Z Z I S T U D I O S ( B O T T O M R I G H T ) 158 W e l l e s l e y W e s t o n M a g a z i n e | s u m m e r 2 0 1 7 good works "an effective and impressive organization"

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of WellesleyWeston Magazine - SUMMER 2017