Alonzo Mourning: prominent athlete with a passion for charity
For some stars, the fame, glory, and wealth that come with a successful career is all they need. For others, all that glory just provides an even bigger opportunity to help others. Alonzo Mourning belongs to the latter group. He may be rich and famous now, but his life has been far from easy – from a challenging childhood, to making it through college, to surviving kidney disease, Alonzo knows the meaning of adversity. With humility, respect, thankfulness, and hope, Alonzo is makinga difference in the lives of countless kids and teenagers.
Retired basketball star Alonzo Mourning is founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities (AM Charities), which operates out of Miami, FL. Since 1997, Mourning has raised more than $7 million for various programs that aid in the development of children and their families. Mourning is an advocate for youth initiatives and foster care programs that assist abused, abandoned, and neglected kids. He has won numerous awards for his charitable efforts and is a sought-after speaker, engaging audiences of all ages and sizes on the importance of education, leadership and perseverance. Mourning is a seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year (1999 and 2000). Most of his career was played with the Miami Heat. He was also among the elite NBA stars selected to represent the United States in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Mourning received a degree in Sociology at Georgetown University. He and his wife, Tracy Wilson Mourning, reside in Miami, Florida with their three children – sons Trey and Alijah and daughter Myka. Alonzo was kind enough to find time in his busy schedule to answer some questions with International Life. Read on to find out more about his charitable work, the challenges he’s faced in life, and what he plans to do next...
IL: You faced a lot of challenges as a child and a young man. Tell us a little about your life growing up.
AM: Like a lot of kids today, I faced many challenges and was forced to overcome them as best as I knew how. I elected myself into a group home and shortly thereafter I requested to be placed into state foster care because the group home setting was not for me. I was lucky and ended up with a wonderful woman, my foster mom Fannie Threet, who encouraged me and provided a great and positive environment for me to grow up. I was able to excel in athletics, specifically basketball, and earned a full scholarship to Georgetown University. Initially I felt somewhat out of place just because the majority of students there came from upper-class families and had received a strong education, but my coach really helped me to focus and work extra hard both in basketball and in my studies.
Alonzo Mourning inspires youth and gives a lesson on tying a necktie
Alonzo leads the Summer Grove Youth Basketball Clinic
IL: What is the most memorable event from your childhood? AM: My most transformative childhood event was putting myself into foster care at the age of ten. I realized I needed to change things and I took my life into my own hands. IL: What role did women play in your life? AM: My foster mom, Fannie Threet, played a very important role in my childhood. She was a local hero where I grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia. She helped raise forty-nine kids. I knew that staying with Ms. Threet was the best thing for me. Ms. Threet continues to inspire me as I now continue to help the youth in my community. IL: How did you start playing basketball? AM: When I was living in foster care my dad enrolled me in a summer basketball camp at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. I was twelve years old and knew right away that I loved basketball. The coach at the time helped me begin to set my goals on playing college ball and providing me with all the tools and resources I needed to play successfully. By the time I was in the eighth grade, I was playing on the high school junior varsity. IL: So many professional athletes seem to lose themselves when they go into retirement. After focusing for so long on the sport, there's a sense of “Now what?” But you have thrown yourself into charity work, starting long before retirement. What was your inspiration for founding Alonzo Mourning Charities in 1997? AM: I saw a lot of mistreated and misunderstood children when I was in a group home. Important to starting Alonzo Mourning Charities was being able to help kids that wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity to grow and fulfill their potential. Alonzo Mourning Charities (AM Charities) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public fundraising foundation. Our vision is to inspire through advocacy, education and enrichment services. Since 1997, we have raised more than $7 million for various programs that aid in the development of children and their families. In addition to supporting numerous educational initiatives, our primary programs of focus are the Honey Shine Mentoring Program for girls, founded by my wife, Tracy Wilson Mourning, the Overtown Youth Center, and Zo’s Fund for Life. IL: Your charitable work focuses on giving young people residing in low socioeconomic communities support to make the right decisions and fulfill their potential. You have worked hard to influence their future. How do you see these kids turning out? What are the long-term changes that you would like to see in the communities you work in? AM: Seeing these kids finish school, go to college, successfully reach their career goals and become productive citizens is the ultimate goal of Alonzo Mourning Charities. These kids may never get the opportunity to follow their dreams or finish school without our help and guidance, and that’s what we’re here to provide. Seeing them succeed in life means we had a positive impact. IL: The Overtown Youth Center (OYC) was opened in 2003 in Miami, FL. Tell us about the work of the OYC. AM: In 2003, I teamed up with donors to build the OYC, a state-of-the-art facility in Miami’s inner city of Overtown. OYC programs are designed to engage children in educational and recreational activities that promote their physical, cognitive, motor, social, and emotional development. OYC’s mission is to inspire and empower youth and families by fostering hope through enrichment services. We are proud of our record of helping local kids graduate from high school and go on to pursue their collegiate dreams. IL: Your website mentions plans to open more youth centers. Please tell us a little more about that. AM: We are now working with the City of Miami Gardens to open a Center in the Bunche Park area. This area is known for its 30% graduation rate. We are hoping to combat this startling statistic. The split-level facility will include dance and music studios, a library, classrooms and a gymnasium. IL: What, to you, has been the greatest sign that you are making a difference? AM: Alonzo Mourning Charities has grown to become such a big part of our community. I see it in the kids more than anything. They have a vision and they walk with purpose. Seeing the youth of our community become more focused on education and experience things they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to do shows me that we are on the right path.
Alonzo Mourning's 33 Thanksgivings
IL: Thanksgiving is coming up. You have surprised hundreds of families since 2000 with fully-prepared Thanksgiving meals delivered to their front doors. How did you decide to start this program, and how many families will be reached this year? AM: Our “33 Thanksgivings” program was started in 2000 and the first year we delivered 33 meals to nearby families. Over the years this program has grown tremendously with the support of partners like Publix Super Markets and UPS. This year we will deliver 533 meals, each feeding a family of four, and will be visiting the Ronald McDonald House as well as Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Transplant Unit to drop off meals and spend time with residing children and families. IL: In 2000, you were diagnosed with the rare kidney disease Focal Glomerulosclerosis after a routine pre-season physical checkup. After a kidney transplant, you are doing well. Since then, you founded Zo's Fund for Life, a foundation to raise awareness about kidney disease and to seek funding for research. Tell us more about the work of this fund. AM: We launched Zo’s Fund For Life during the 2001 NBA All-Star Weekend. The program raises funds for research, education, and testing to fight Focal Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This summer, through legislation, the “Alonzo Mourning Access to Care Act” was signed into law in the State of Florida by Governor Charlie Christ. This Act is expected to make 11,050 ESRD patients and 200,000 patients with disabilities eligible for the same Medigap coverage. 28 states have adopted Medigap coverage, and there are discussions about taking the legislation to a national level. You can learn more at www.ZosFundForLife.com. IL: In 2003, your wife, Tracy Wilson Mourning, founded the Honey Shine Mentoring Program for girls ages 8-18. What activities do the girls participate in? AM: The Honey Shine Mentoring Program is a program of Alonzo Mourning Charities that works to empower young girls to shine as women. They host bi-weekly workshops and an annual four-week summer camp that encourages the balance of mind, body and soul in girls and women by providing nurturing experiences that enlighten their paths and empower their future. More information is available at www.HoneyShine.org.
Been there before – Alonzo visits a transplant recipient in Arizona
IL: What plans do you have for your charity work in the future? What would you like to do next? AM: We plan to continue all of current programming and expand the reach of our services. There are so many communities that can benefit from what we do. With the added help of individual donors and corporate partners we can impact so many other lives. My wife’s program, the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, has taken off as well, currently serving more than 150 girls. I’m glad to see we’re helping out young girls through Tracy’s leadership and inspiration. IL: In 2008, your memoir, Resilience, was released. Why did you decide to write a memoir, and what do you hope people will get out of reading it? AM: I wanted to share the hardships and challenges I’ve endured and overcome in Resilience, from petitioning myself into foster care as a ten-year-old, to studying my way onto the Dean's list at Georgetown, surviving an incurable and degenerative kidney disease and transplant, as well as pushing to become a top player in the NBA. I wanted my story to become a symbol of hope and strength and to inspire people. IL: Do you have a favorite book that you would recommend for our readers? AM: Anyone can benefit from Resilience. It can be applied to any situation. I share all of the struggles I’ve gone through with hope and faith at the forefront. IL: Is there something else that you dream to accomplish, if so, what is it? AM: I look forward to Alonzo Mourning Charities continuing to be successful by offering kids, families and the community even more opportunities to progress. Expanding our programs, growing our scholarship fund… there is so much more. IL: Alonzo, you’ve had the opportunity to meet with many outstanding and well-known people, including presidents, past and present. Tell us a little about meeting President Obama. What impressions did you take away from that? Of all the people you’ve met, who has left the deepest impression on you? AM: It was truly an honor being in the presence of President Obama, the first African American president. Witnessing this very historic moment is tremendous. I only wish my grandparents were here to share in this occasion with the rest of the world. The person who has left a deep impression in my life is and will continue to be my foster mom, Fannie Threet. She was a very giving person. She will go without so other people can have. IL: Alonzo, you are such an inspiration to so many people, both sports fans and non-fans alike, because you have overcome huge obstacles in life and you do so much to help other people. What advice can you give to people who also want to make a difference in the world, but don’t know how to get started? AM: There are many opportunities to get involved here at Alonzo Mourning Charities, but first and foremost follow your dreams. Once you are content with yourself, share that with others. Help others achieve their goals. You will be better for it.
Alonzo and Tracy with President Barack Obama at a dinner hosted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi on October 26, 2009 in Miami
Baron Eduard Oleg Aleksandrovich von Falz-Fein, nobleman, citizen of the princedom Liechtenstein. He is a famous athlete, talanted journalist, successful businessman, generous and selfless collector, patron of art and philanthropist.
On September 14th in an estate belonging to the Falz-Fein family, the son Eduard was born. After losing everything, Alexander and Vera Falz-Fein, together with two small children, immigrated to Germany, where they stayed from 1918 to 1923. In 1923 after the death of Alexander, Vera moved to France. The house in Nice remained the only hope for the family already used to famine and need. Eduard was sent to study at the school of floriculture in Antibes, and later studied agronomical sciences in Colonial institute near Paris. In the capital of France and owing to the hobby of cycle racing, the young man began a career as a sports journalist. In 1932 Eduard Falz-Fein won a bicycle race among students and became the champion of Paris. The executive director of “L`Auto” (renamed after war to “L’Equipe”) noticed the young athlete and invited him to become the general correspondent of the sports newspaper in Germany. In 1936 Eduard Falz-Fein won a “gold feather” as the best reporter of the Olympic Games. Observing and making comments on the success of others, he confidently achieved his own results: once he covered a distance of 621.40 miles from Berlin to Liechtenstein in 6 days, on a bicycle. Later Eduard became the founder of the Olympic committee of Liechtenstein, created a team, though small, of champions, and visited the role of successful trainer. Eduard returned to Liechtenstein because his mother insisted on it. By the rules of the princedom a nobleman is required to carry a title. Falz-Fein became a baron. The real tourist boom in Liechtenstein began thanks to the energy of the young man, his erudition and talents.
Question: Eduard Aleksandrovich, why has your journalistic career ended? Falz-Fein: There were no souvenirs in Liechtenstein and it occurred to me to open a souvenir shop. I had no money at the time so I took the credit in princely bank. Under the order of the prince, who always knows to whom and on what the bank gives money, I was loaned 50 thousand dollars. At the time it was huge money. I have made hundred photos of the princedom, developed breadboard models of souvenirs including everything from postcards to silk scarves and books with princedom photos. After I have thought up souvenirs and have found space for my shop, I have gone to other countries. At the time few tourists came to the princedom, and I have arranged for the bus excursions to stop at Liechtenstein. Parking for buses was built in front of my shop. Approximately 30 buses stopped near my shop each day, approximately one thousand people from different countries including Americans, Germans, Spaniards, and Australians. I came into each bus with a microphone in hand. I after all know six languages. And in the native language of tourists I told them stories about Liechtenstein. Then they automatically came to me and bought everything that they liked. My price lists were written in pounds, dollars, franks and marks as the person tends to count money in the native currency. Additionally tourists paid and received change in their native currencies, that way they knew exactly how much they have spent. Question: How long did it take you to repay your loan? Falz-Fein: It took me one year to repay the loan. It was surprising to all that I was able to clear the debt this fast. After that I began to work for myself. I worked from 7am till 9pm without breaks and without days off. I had only two employees. For the first ten years I worked every day, every day, every day... The descendants of famous Russian families on a visit to Baron Falz-Fein: Prince George Yuriyevskiy — the direct descendant from Alexander II, Princess Tatyana Metternikh (Vasilchikova) and Dmitriy Dostoyevsky, the writer’s great-grandson. 1993.
At the charity evening in the Bolshoi Theatre. Meeting Alexis II, Patriarch of All Russia. 1999.
He opened a museum of Catherine II in Germany, has constructed two churches in Ukraine and put a monument to Suvorov in the Swiss Alps. Even though he was denied an entry visa to the USSR up until 1980, he managed to help Moscow to acquire the right to the 1980 Olympic Games. He sent various equipmentand drills to the Imperial village in Russia to assist in the restoration of the Amber room. He has established a fund called “For the fair relation to Russian Art in the West.” In 2002 he was awarded the Order of Hour by Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Baron Faltz-Fein on the day of receiving the “Tsarsko-Selskaya” award for helping in the reconstruction of the Amber Room.
Putin and Baron Faltz-Fein at a reception in the Kremlin.
Question: Baron Falz-Fein, how would you define modern charity? Falz-Fein: There are such words that change their meaning with time and cultural mood. The literal sense of charity is transparent – creation of the blessing, good, to make affairs of mercy, compassions, sympathy, readiness to render free aid to everyone who requires it. There were times when multimillion transactions were sealed with a promise and a handshake, no papers and/or contracts. So happens that today charity and business are closely connected among themselves. One can say that the building of capital is the foundation of charity, for you first need to make a profit before donating it to charity. However, in reality you do not need to be rich in order to help people. Question: Which traits are important to develop in children to help them grow into honorable adults? Falz-Fein: There is nothing more important than good reputation and it can only be developed by self-respect. Children should strive to be honest and fair. It is crucial to develop kindness in youth: Kindness toward the world, universe, people and animals, and opposite gender.
Question: Baron Falz-Fein, can I ask you about your personal relations with women? Which types of women are interesting to you? Falz-Fein: Above all, smart! And charming. Once in Saint-Petersburg I met a beautiful, world famous woman, but soon learned that it is impossible to carry a conversation with her. I lost interest immediately. Question: You married for the first time when you were 38. At that time you already had your title and wealth. In addition you were handsome and famous. Was it hard to pick a woman to spend your life with? Who became your wife? Falz-Fein: Of course my mother desperately wanted me to marry at the time. Before my trip to the United States she gave contact information of my cousin Vladimir Nabokov and prince Sergey Obolensky. But destiny had different plans. I was invited to the banquet at Waldorf-Astoria where I saw a young woman at the table near by. It was love at first sight, turned out that I already met her when she was 7. It was in 1936 in Berlin during Olympic Games. She was there with her father, Sir Noel Curtis-Bennet, who was the chairman of the British Olympic Committee. He was an advisor to King George VI and his wife – Grand Lady of the King’s Court. And so I meet 21-year-old Virginia and set a date with her for the next evening. But during our first date, she learned that her father has passed away, we flew to London together. We were married in London at Westminster Abbey. A year later our daughter Ludmila was born. Question: Baron Falz-Fein, you have a lot of pictures of your daughter during her childhood and teenage years. And here is her adult photo with a caption that reads “Ludmila Nova, premier dancer of London Theater.” Falz-Fein: She was the premier dancer of London Theater Palladium, where she successfully performed under her stage name Ludmila Nova. But she fell madly in love with a Dutchman who is 25 years older and has two children, and so she left the theater. I was shocked but didn’t interfere. I know what love is. Since 1979 they live happily in Monte-Carlo. Ludmila never misses her theatrical past and loves her husband as much as she did when they first met. Kees Verkade is a wonderful person, famous European sculptor. There is a bronze sculpture erected in Monte-Carlo called “Two monks,” which was created by Kees and ordered by Prince Rene III in honor of 700th anniversary of Grimaldi dynasty. Regardless of his age, Baron Falz-Fein is full of life. He has many grand plans. His father used to say, “Don’t demand from the motherland — give to her.” And so Baron Falz-Fein is in a rush. There is so much more to be done. He is still doing good deeds and many goodwill projects are organized thanks to his personal involvement. Rarely does he deny interviews. He doesn’t need additional attention from press, but he likes to remind us all that life and love are more important than disappointments and upsets. Love everything — past, present and future. Long live the person who cures us from indifference, indifference to our own history. Maria Kryszat
There are around 100 charitable organizations and funds successfully working in Israel today. In 1969, the charitable organization JDC-Eshel was co-founded by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Government of Israel. In its 40 years of work the fund has achieved considerable success in helping repatriates, and particularly the elderly, get settled in their new country: - 20 new buildings have been constructed to house 3,500 elderly; - 224 medical clinics offering 24-hour home service have been established; - more than 90 different medical studies have been conducted to learn more about the state of health of elderly Israelites, to try to explain the phenomenon of high life expectancy (an average of 85 years!); - the Israeli Center Gerontech has been founded with cooperation of the Metropolitan Jewish Health System in New York City. The JDC-Eshel fund works in close contact with American colleagues, who provide critical moral and material support. One of the first programs established by JDC-Eshel was Warm Homes, the goal of which is to create a warm gathering place and social network for groups of elderly individuals with similar backgrounds, and provide them with meaningful activities which enhance their quality of life. The person responsible for the activities of Warm Homes in Israel, Sofia Borisov, addressed me to one such home, situated in the northern town of Maalot. The hostess, Bella Sverdlov, Doctor of Science, retired in 2002 from the world-famous “Iskar” factory. An emotional, energetic person, Bella couldn’t just simply sit and to do nothing, so she proposed to Sofia to open a Warm Home. The first meeting of “Bella's Home” took place in summer of 2006 on the eve of the Second Lebanese War. To no small degree, Bella's professionalism, optimism, fearlessness and dedication helped those who flocked to her like moths to a flame in order to wait out the horror of Hezbollah's rocket attacks. Bella regularly invites specialists to speak about Judaism and Jewish traditions, as well as psychologists, poets, and musicians. Her home has established the lovely tradition of celebrating Jewish holidays and the birthdays of participants. For years, gathering in her small, comfortable apartment really became a second home for participants. JDC-Eschel regularly conducts conferences, seminars, and courses for the hosts of Warm Homes, at which participants exchange stories of their experiences. Despite the economic crisis, they continue their good and needed deed — to give elderly people a chance to socialize, and to create a warm and intimate family atmosphere at every meeting. One can say with certainty that this beneficient organization will continue to be, with God's help, notably successful in the future. We wish the same success to all other charitable organizations in Israel and around the world.
Sol Levy, Freelance observer, for International Life magazine
The St. Petersburg Public Charitable Organization “Pokrovskaya Community”
Our organization exists since 1992 and unites more than 50 people. The degree of each person's involvement in community life varies, and depends on their talents, education, profession, and life circumstances. Our staff consists of regular employees and volunteers who help with basic work in the community. We receive altruistic aid from builders, architects, designers, lawyers, film directors, photographers and others. Every day members of our organization voluntarily and free of charge care for seriously ill patients at the Mariinsky hospital of St.-Petersburg and distribute food and clothes to the poor and homeless. We purchase medicine, groceries, and personal care items for patients. We have organized a small library for patients. We also render monetary aid to the hospital: With about 100,000 euro received through various projects and collected from donations, we have provided the hospital medical equipment, medicines, personal care items, bed linens, mattresses, and blankets. Additionally, we have a tradition of handing out gifts to patients and hospital staff on Christmas and Easter. In 1999 our organization opened an almshouse for sick and elderly women in a regular two-room apartment. But there were many more old people who needed help, particularly those who had survived the Leningrad Blockade. Our patronage service operates nonstop, providing help to the elderly in their own homes. In 2009 we opened a new establishment in Leningrad oblast: the Pokrovsky home for 35 elderly and disabled persons under the care of the state. A farm building on site has been renovated to house domesticated animals. Our establishment is medically licensed, and our sisterhood provides care under the supervision of doctors. In 2005 the Pokrovskaya community organized a small (8 person) shelter for homeless disabled people where they can live while be registered at boarding houses. While living at the shelter, they receive rehabilitation through work therapy and art therapy. The priest visits regularly. We also run Omophor, an artistic, socio-charitable studio, the goal of which is to create educational audio and video programs. Two documentary films have been released, and two books about charity have been published. Our organization exists only on donations.
The legal address: Russia, 191014, St.-Petersburg, the Kovensky lane, h. 11, sq. 5 Director, Galina Klishova. Bank in St.Petersburg, Russia Bank VTB 24 (JSC) Branch 7806 Account № 40703810425060004149 In Favor Acc. 30101810300000000811; BIC: 044030811; SWIFT: CB GU RUMM INN (ИНН): 7825132498; КРР (КПП): 78410100 Bank's address: Russia, St. Petersburg, Nevski pr., 140
ShelterBox founder and CEO After identifying a gap in relief responses to natural disaster in 1999, Tom Henderson developed the ShelterBox system, which utilizes easily transportable containers to provide tents and other essential survival supplies to disaster victims. Based in Cornwall, England, ShelterBox began as a project of the Rotary Club of Helson-Lizard. A registered UK charity, ShelterBox now receives support from Rotary clubs worldwide. Since operations began in 2001, ShelterBox has responded to more than 80 major disasters, including the Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the Pakistan and China earthquakes, and the Myanmar cyclone. The organization has provided shelter to over 800,000 people. In 2008, Henderson was named one of 27 CNN Heroes by the U.S.-based cable news network.
The hostess, Bella Sverdlov, Doctor of Science, retired in 2002 from the world-famous “Iskar” factory. An emotional, energetic person, Bella couldn’t just simply sit and to do nothing, so she proposed to Sofia to open a Warm Home. The first meeting of “Bella's Home” took place in summer of 2006 on the eve of the Second Lebanese War. To no small degree, Bella's professionalism, optimism, fearlessness and dedication helped those who flocked to her like moths to a flame in order to wait out the horror of Hezbollah's rocket attacks. Bella regularly invites specialists to speak about Judaism and Jewish traditions, as well as psychologists, poets, and musicians. Her home has established the lovely tradition of celebrating Jewish holidays and the birthdays of participants. For years, gathering in her small, comfortable apartment really became a second home for participants.
ShelterBox founder and CEO