It started with phone call. And since, MPS Foundation has raised more than $60,000 to provide emergency relief to thousands of local families in need.
MPS Foundation Executive Director Wendell Willis said he received a call from Milwaukee Bucks president Peter Feigin asking how the franchise could help families during the "Safer at Home" order. Soon after, the foundation got connected to Bucks star Khris Middleton, who made a personal gift of $25,000.
That donation was then matched by the Joseph & Vera Zilber Family Trust Fund, through the Greater Milwaukee foundation, bringing the total to $50,000. Local retailer Boswell Book Company the joined to provide additional funding and coordination to distribute books to families in need.
The money went into a newly established COVID-19 Relief Fund and will be used to provide 2,500 supply kits stocked with academic games, puzzles, arts and crafts supplies, playing cards and board games. The foundation will also provide hygiene kits with laundry detergent, hand soap and a variety of cleaning supplies. Families will receive a mix of basic needs and educational activities to help bring relief into challenged Milwaukee households.
Additionally, the foundation has established a Nutrition Support Fund to help MPS continue to provide healthy meals, snacks, and food packages for families. T-Mobile and MPS’ Strategic Partnerships department will distribute $5,000 in Walmart gift cards for families at Samuel Clemens School.
“We’re very appreciative that Khris Middleton, the Joseph and Vera Zilber Family Trust Fund, Boswell Books, T-Mobile, and others have spearheaded the community leadership required to assist our efforts for relief for families and immediate student needs. We truly thank them, along with the many community members that have donated to these initiatives, for going the extra mile at this unprecedented moment,” said Wendell Willis, Executive Director of the MPS Foundation.
Listen to our interview with Willis below.
