BackgrounD
The GameChangers ‘65-‘66 Foundation [GameChangers 65-66 Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 designated as a public charity. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law] sprouted from two basketball games that were played over 50 years ago. After a documentary film brought the teams back together to reminisce, these same players started the foundation as a way to give back to the game and their communities. GameChanger Grants connect the North Shore with the West Side in the present day, benefitting current students and community influencers as they pursue their dreams.
Grants began in 2019
Since 2019, the foundation has awarded over $100,000 in grants to deserving individuals and select organizations. In 2019, three were from the Marshall community on Chicago’s West Side, another from historic rival Evanston who participated in the FAAM (Fellowship of African American Men) youth basketball program, and one was from New Trier that works to build bridges with other communities and individuals in the Chicagoland area.
Each year, the majority of grants go to the Marshall community on Chicago’s West Side. Graduating seniors from New Trier and historic rival Evanston represent the other individual selectees.
GRANT DESIGNEES
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Darren Hudson, Marshall '23 (Illinois State University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Dyanla "DeDe" Rainey
James Austin, Marshall '23 (Illinois State University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Charles Conway
Jajuan Cozart, Marshall '23 (Rock Valley College)
GameChanger Grant honoring Clyde Oatis
Josh Thomas, Evanston '23 (Western Michigan University)
GameChanger Grant honoring 30 year anniversary of the Cherry Foundation
Maisa Abudayyeh, New Trier '23 (Loyola University)
GameChanger Grant honoring John Coyne
Ari Schencker, New Trier '23 (University of Illinois)
GameChanger Grant honoring Andy Russo
Gregory Melton, Wendell Phillips Academy (Southern Illinois University)
GameChanger Grant in partnership with New Trier Neighbors & Project HOOD
Laniyah Champ, Johnson College Prep (Northern Illinois University)
GameChanger Grant in partnership with New Trier Neighbors & Project HOOD
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Prosperity Parker, Marshall '22 (University of Illinois)
GameChanger Grant honoring Gloria Hemphill.
Darryl Smith, Marshall '22 (Indiana State University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Charlie Conway.
Antonio Sutton, Marshall '22 (Clark Atlanta University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Harvey Hartenstein.
Rashawn Bost, Evanston '22 (Southwestern Michigan College)
GameChanger Grant honoring the life and memory of Ryan Bost.
Karlo Colak, New Trier '22 (Illinois Wesleyan University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Tom Anderson.
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Enari Thomas, Marshall '21 (Moraine Valley Community College)
GameChanger Grant honoring Nathaniel Byrd for his leadership on the court and off.
Adriana Feliciano, Marshall '21 (Western Illinois University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Richard Bradshaw and his ongoing commitment to support the Marshall valedictorian.
Jayonna Smith, Marshall '21 (Spoon River College)
GameChanger Grant honoring Coach Dorothy Gaters for her commitment to youth and excellence.
Elijah Bull, Evanston '21 (Lake Forest College)
GameChanger Grant honoring Bob Reece and his decades of service to the Evanston community.
Olivia Becker, New Trier '21 (University of Indianapolis)
GameChanger Grant in honor of Coach John Schneiter and his winning legacy with both the boys and girls teams at New Trier.
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Dajuan Washington, Marshall '20 (Northern Illinois University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Malcolm Hemphill for his pioneering work in schools and basketball officiating.
Anyiah Jackson-Williams, Marshall '20 (Wilberforce University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Coach Dorothy Gaters for her commitment to youth and excellence.
Shawn Harrington, Marshall '93 (former Marshall player and coach that continues to mentor youth on Chicago's West Side)
GameChanger Grant contributing to the GoFundMe campaign helping Shawn achieve independence. More on Shawn's story: https://gf.me/u/x92tau
Jazmine Morrow, Evanston '20 (Drexel University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Merri Dee for her lifelong community service and leadership.
Frank Zawrazky, New Trier '20 (Loyola University-Chicago)
GameChanger Grant honoring the late Chet Coppock for sports broadcasting excellence.
Breakthrough Urban Ministries
GameChanger Grant honoring Breakthrough for their Game-Changing work in East Garfield Park - https://www.breakthrough.org/
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Jawan Colbert, Marshall '19 (Northern Illinois University)
GameChanger Grant honoring the late Calvin Triplett Jr for his commitment to education.
Brandi Hudson, Marshall '19 (Lenoir-Rhyne University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Shirley Hooper Coleman for her resilience and service.
Shawn Harrington, Marshall '93 (former Marshall player and coach that continues to mentor youth on Chicago's West Side)
GameChanger Grant honoring the late Paul J. Gallagher for his faith and courage.
Ryan Bost, Evanston '19 (Post University)
GameChanger Grant honoring the work of Evanston's FAAM basketball program.
Anahi Toolabian, New Trier '19 (DePaul University)
GameChanger Grant honoring Larry Rosenzweig for his determination and persistence.
Spread the Word
Tell your friends and family about the GameChangers film. As more people see the documentary, more attention will be drawn to the foundation and our mission. There's no better way to make an impact than to become an active advocate yourself. Join us now and help change the game!