#SkyTakesAction
We, the Players of the Chicago Sky, have dedicated this season to fighting for social justice and racial equality. We want to use our platforms in the most efficient way possible, which means getting as many people involved as we can in our initiative. #SkyTakesAction is about longevity and togetherness. It’s about inspiring others to give all they can in this battle for equality. Our goal is to raise as much money, resources, education and support as we can for our community.
All season long, we will be working with multiple organizations and leaders of the the community. We will be auctioning items, holding virtual events and opportunities on social media for our fans to join the initiative. Finally we, as a team, are donating $10 per point we score, $100 per win and $50 per loss for the entire season to multiple organizations doing the work to fight for equality. We are asking our fans to support us by matching us collectively.
Donations can be made here: www.mightycause.com/story/A4jxchicagosky
This is season Gabby will be auctioning a pair of game-worn, professionally customized shoes. She will be matching the amount the shoes are auctioned for herself and all proceeds will be donated to the Chicago Community Bond Fund.
Mission Statement:
“Chicago Community Bond Fund (CCBF) pays bond for people charged with crimes in Cook County, Illinois. Through a revolving fund, CCBF supports individuals whose communities cannot afford to pay the bonds themselves and who have been impacted by structural violence. Inability to pay bond results in higher rates of conviction, longer sentences, loss of housing and jobs, separation of families, and lost custody of children. By paying bond, CCBF restores the presumption of innocence before trial and enables recipients to remain free while fighting their cases. CCBF also engages in public education about the role of bond in the criminal legal system and advocates for the abolition of money bond. CCBF is committed to long-term relationship building and organizing with people most directly impacted by criminalization and policing”
Gabby’s collaboration with Chicago Community Bond Fund. https://chicagobond.org
Courtney will be working with the organization DonorsChoose and pledging $10 every assist she gets this season to students and teachers in our Chicago Public Schools.
Mission Statement:
“We make it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.”
Statement from Courtney: Donors choose
“It’s not a secret that public school funding is an ongoing problem. We have teachers all over the country paying millions of dollars out of pocket for supplies in order to provide the proper education to their students. The Chicago Public Schools are no stranger to that. Despite being the 3rd largest district in the nation, the CPS only receives 15% of the state funding. It’s not a coincidence that 90% of the CPS students are children of color. I realize the problem will not be solved tomorrow, but I want to be apart of the change today. I am passionate about education and strongly believe that every student, no matter where you’re from or the color of your skin, should have access to quality education. This is why I chose to use my personal success for this season to help bring awareness and funds to teachers and students in Chicago. I am beyond thankful for Donors Choose who have been doing just that for every public school in America, for years.”
Learn more about what Courtney is doing here: https://www.donorschoose.org/courtneyvandersloot
Allie Quigley collaboration with the Salvation Army.
Allie will be donating $20 for every 3 point shot she makes to the Salvation the Army Metropolitan Division.
Statement from Allie:
“After talking with family and doing a lot of research, I decided to support The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. I was specifically drawn to the great work they are doing in the areas of empowering the youth and fighting for justice for trafficked individuals in the greater Chicagoland areas. I grew up in Joliet, Illinois and after reflecting the last few months, it’s not fair that kids growing up 40 miles north on the south side of Chicago didn’t have the same opportunities I did. I think all children and people deserve an equal chance in this life regardless of race or where they grew up. I want to be a part of this change and I think The Salvation Army is a great partner to help me do that.”
Learn more about what Allie is doing here: http://Salarmychicago.org/alliequigley
Stefanie Dolson collaboration with Brave Space Alliance.
Stefanie will be customizing two pairs of game-worn shoes and auctioning them to, you, the fans. She is promising to match the amount the shoes are auctioned and all proceeds will be donated to Brave Space Alliance.
Mission Statement:
Brave Space is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ individuals on the South and West sides of the city. We strive to empower, embolden, and educate each other through mutual aid, knowledge-sharing, and creation of community-sourced resources as we build toward the liberation of all oppressed peoples.
Statement from Stefanie:
I stand in solidarity with the Black-Trans community. Black Transpeople are one of the most under-appreciated and marginalized groups in America. The disproportionate amount of violence and intimidation towards the Black-Trans community needs to come to an end. I want to educate our fans as much as possible on the disparities and discrimination this community is faced with every day and how we can combat that. Brave Space Alliance is doing the work to ensure Black Trans voices. I believe they will play a large part in the liberation and protection of Black Trans Lives.
Learn more about Brave Space Alliance here: https://www.bravespacealliance.org
Kahleah Copper
Kahleah will be auctioning off one of her jerseys as well as a pair of game-worn, autographed jerseys. She and Keisha Hampton will match the amount the items are auctioned for and all proceeds will go towards supplying young girls in Philadelphia with basketball equipment needed for the upcoming fall season. Every year Kahleah and Keisha host a camp for youth girls in Philadelphia that is completely free for all participants. Kahleah and Keisha pay for everything out of pocket in order to put the camp together.
“This year would’ve been our 3rd Annual 2K Skills & Drills but due to Covid 19 we felt it was best not to have it this year. However, you know we always gotta have something for our girls. Stay tuned and contribute whatever you can. We are gonna always make sure we are providing opportunities. Remember you can be dope and humble! ⚡️#2KApproves”
– Kahleah Copper and Keisha Hampton
If you would like to support 2K Skills & Drills donations can be made here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/2k-skills-amp-drills-academy