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The I’m A Star charity game raised money for more than 3,000 homeless kids in Duval County.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A group of high school athletes showed some of Jacksonville’s most recognizable faces who is boss in a game of basketball.
The I’m A Star charity basketball game held at Riverside High School successfully raised funds to support over 3,000 children in Duval County who are experiencing homelessness.
“It’s about the kids, honestly,” Duval County School Board Member Darryl Willie said.
Willie proudly put on the red shirt to shoot some hoops and defend last year’s title for the celebrities.
He keeps coming back year after year, and it’s not just to give the referees a hard time.
“We’re all one paycheck, one decision, one instance away from being unhoused,” Willie explained. “Lacking a stable roof and being in an unpredictable situation. I understand, I witness it, but these kids demonstrate incredible resilience, and this money is dedicated to supporting their enduring spirit every single day.”
As the buckets rained down, so did money to support the more than 3,400 kids in Duval County who don’t have a consistent place to call home.
“We provide their uniforms, cover hotel accommodations, and handle senior fees,” stated I’m A Star CEO Betty Burney. “We finance everything that a child in a stable situation might take for granted.”
The game raised just over $60,000 last year, so Burney says the foundation’s goal for this year was around $65,000.
Some of the celebrities who participated, in addition to Willie, include:
- Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan
- Jacksonville City Council Members Rahman Johnson, Tyrona Clark-Murray and Terrance Freeman
- First Coast News Sports Director Chris Porter
- Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Executive Vic Micolucci
- Duval County School Board Chair Charlotte Joyce
- Attorney Khalil Farah
“It’s all about making sure our community understands there’s a need,” Willie said. “It’s a problem, then making sure every single resource that touches those types of students gets the support they need.”
The High School All Stars took it home by five points, 59-54, after The Celebrities won it each of the past two years.
