HOW DID THE RIP CITY FOUNDATION COME ABOUT?
The Rip City Foundation began in 1999 by Rip as a means to give back to his beloved city of Coatesville, PA. Rip wanted to create a platform for young children to interact with each other in a positive learning environment and utilized his efforts as a means of spreading community unity throughout the city of Coatesville. He also wanted the children of Coatesville to have the opportunity to talk with him and connect with him on a personal level, as a way of letting each child know he truly cared. He did that by creating a Health influenced unity day called “The Rip City Celebration.” This celebration emphasizes community unity across all racial boundaries by creating partnerships with local organizations and gathering over 100 volunteers throughout the city of Coatesville. Rip also thought it was important to reach out to the communities in Detroit, Michigan as well. He understood that he touched many young lives there as well and wanted make sure he could connect with them. The mission is to enhance the lives we touch through education and recreational activities with a special emphasis on healthy living in the geographical areas where Rip has lived and/or played.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE EVENTS YOU HOST THAT HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THIS CAUSE?
The bulk of our money is raised through sponsorships and individual giving. Sponsorships can be obtained for all of our programs and events. We have 3 pillar programs/events that Rip is mainly known for: the Rip City Youth Summer Basketball League, the Rip City Adult Summer Basketball League, and the Rip City Celebration. These events take place in Coatesville, PA. The youth league cost $1 for children ages 8-15. The league creates a safe competitive environment for underserved children to interact with each other during the summer months. In Detroit, he raises sponsors for resource centers at Elementary schools and raises money for food drives and shopping sprees for underserved children. Rip also gives personally to the Foundation as well and has been extremely generous throughout the year.

WHAT IS THE RIP CITY FOUNDATION ALL ABOUT?
The Rip City Foundation is about sharing the love in areas in which you influence the most. When you think of Rip City, you think of camaraderie, loyalty, unity, and brother/sisterhood among all. This is what the concept of Rip City is all about.

WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT FOR RIP TO BE PERSONALLY INVOLVED WITH EVERYTHING?
Rip is just that type of guy. Everything that Rip is involved in, he is passionate about. If he is not, he will simply not be a part of it. Simple as that.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS THAT FANS OF BASKETBALL CAN HELP THE FOUNDATION?
The fans can help by visiting his website at www.ripcityfoundation.org. There they can make a financial contribution and learn about our programs and ways to volunteer.

Fans can also write us at:
Rip City Foundation
PO Box 358
Thorndale
pa 19372.

COMMENTS FROM RIP

A LOT OF YOUR TEAMMATES AND FRIENDS SUCH AS KOBE BRYANT COME AND HELP OUT YOUR EVENTS, HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL TO HAVE EVERYONE AROUND YOU COME AND SUPPORT YOUR FOUNDATION?
I feel good about it. They know how passionate I am about my hometown and do not hesitate to help out when I call on them. As for Kobe, Kobe and I played against each other in High School and we played travel ball together. He and I share the passion for the game and love to be around kids. We both love being on the ground with no security, no big show cameras …just the kids and basketball. Straight Rawness!!

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT COATESVILLE, PA?
Coatesville is family, loyalty, pride …all of which I too stand for. Coatesville is my home. It’s a very small steel city of about 10,000 people. A lot of underserved kids are there who just don’t get the opportunity to get out and see anything other than their surroundings. So I try to bring as much exposure to them as possible and create platforms for them so they can know with hard work, their dreams can come true.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO GET READY FOR THE UPCOMING 2009 SEASON?
Just working out and spending time with my son and the rest of my family. I’m excited about the season and with the new addition. People may think we are still rebuilding and have a lot to overcome but I think we are going to surprise a lot of people.