Paul Savramis says his organization, Rising Stars Youth Foundation, is more than just a basketball program. He explains that the vast majority of what his program does focuses on academics and community service. For 2021, student-athletes have volunteered thousands of man hours.
According to Paul Savramis, one of the most successful community response outreach efforts this year was in conjunction with The Book Fairies in Long Island. This nonprofit works to foster literacy for people in need by providing reading materials across different age groups. In September, Rising Stars volunteers distributed more than 14,000 books. There are two additional volunteer events with the organization scheduled for 2021.
In October, student-athletes also worked closely with Paul Savramis and other leadership at Rising Stars Youth Foundation to pack meals at a local church. In November, Rising Stars Youth Foundation will host an additional community service event, which will feature a turkey giveaway.
Throughout the winter, Paul Savramis and Rising Stars will host a coat drive. Student-athletes also continue to collect backpacks, which are filled with supplies for students in need. For 2021, Rising Stars student-athletes students donated more than 500 backpacks and supplies, which benefited more than 800 local families.
Paul Savramis would like to send a special thank you to Peter Rosen; Ashleigh Wetzel; Tyler and Gabby Michel; Joshua Chariah; and Damon and Dylan Merazzi.
Rising Stars Youth Foundation student-athletes are excited to participate in in-person community service events. Paul Savramis says there’s zest for life and willingness to help out their neighbors is evidence in how quickly volunteer slots fill up for each event.
Moving into 2022, Paul Savramis says that he expects his organization and the students within it to continue to serve their community while promoting academics using basketball as a vehicle for good.
