Nba Rising Star Dorell Wright Establishes The KB3 Scholarship Fund

NEW YORK - April 12, 2013 - PRLog -- NEW YORK, NY – April 12, 2013– Philadelphia 76er’s agile forward-guard, Dorell Wright, has channeled his on-court drive and determination into the commitment of his D. Wright Way Foundation to inspire the upward mobility of today’s youth, partnering with UNCF (United Negro College Fund), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization to create the KB3 Scholarship Fund.  The scholarship, named for Wright’s childhood friend, the late Khelcy Barrs, III, will assist graduating high school seniors who face difficult challenges that threaten their aspirations to pursue and attain a college degree.  The scholarship launch will be officially announced just before the start of the 76’ers home game on April 14th, 2013 at 3:30 pm (Wells Fargo Center - 3601 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA), where Wright will present a check for $50,000 to UNCF to officially launch the KB3 Scholarship Fund.

“Many African Americans and students of color are not receiving the financial support to get education they need, and that we need them to have,” said Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF.  “Through the KB3 Scholarship Fund, The D Wright Way Foundation and UNCF are working to create meaningful change for inner-city youth, inspiring a college-going culture that will have an impact for these students and their communities for generations to come.”

One of the most promising members of his Los Angeles varsity high school basketball team and a cherished childhood friend of Dorell Wright and Oklahoma Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, Khelcey Barrs was poised to join the ranks of the leading players in collegiate athletics and the NBA when he suddenly collapsed and died during a pickup game due to complications from an enlarged heart in May 2004.

“Khelcey had a strong presence on the court and as my friend, he was a significant source of inspiration for me,” said Wright.  “My heart is heavy over Khelcey’s passing short of the realization of his dreams, and I am compelled to carry on his legacy by enabling his spirit to continue to motivate and inspire others through the establishment of the KB3 Scholarship Fund.  The award is intended to help our youth understand that with drive and passion, they can reach any goal they set for themselves.”

In honor of Khelcey Barrs’ uplifting journey and the fire he has instilled in those who know his story, each award provides $5,000 toward tuition at a 4-year, fully accredited U.S. college or university.  Invited to apply are graduating high school seniors who aspire to be first generation college students—the first in their families to attend college-- who have attended K-12 in an inner-city environment and possess a strong track record of performance and leadership.  Award recipients will be selected based on their GPA and essay submission demonstrating their interest in furthering their education as well as significant contributions and service to their community.  

To learn more about the KB3 Scholarship Fund and apply, visit www.DwrightWayFoundation.org or www.UNCF.org.   The D Wright Way Foundation also has additional information regarding support for the KB3 Scholarship Fund on their social media platforms: www.facebook.com/DWrightWayFoundation and www.twitter.com/DWrightWayFDN.  KB3 wristbands, each with a customized heartfelt inscription providing a daily reminder of the strong will of our youth and the impact and importance of each life as we live it, will be available for sale through the D Wright Way Foundation website: www.dwrightwayfoundation.org.  All proceeds from the purchase of each wristband will contribute directly to the scholarship fund.

ABOUT DORELL WRIGHT
Dorell Wright, NBA Forward-Guard, was selected 19th overall in the 2004 NBA draft. The legendary Pat Riley, one of the most celebrated coaches of all time, saw Wright’s undeniable potential and athleticism; prompting him for the first time in his 17-year career history to draft a player straight out of high school to the Miami Heat. In 2006 Wright was a member of the first Miami Heat team to win an NBA Championship. After 6 years playing for the Heat, Wright was signed as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors on July 13, 2010. With two high-energy seasons with the Golden State Warriors under his belt, Dorell made an exciting move to the Philadelphia 76er’s. With his new team, Dorell looks to continue soaring to new heights on and off the court. In 2010, Wright launched his D Wright Way Foundation, dedicated to the support and empowerment of marginalized youth. Learn more at www.DWrightWayFoundation.org.


ABOUT UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization.  To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. UNCF supports education through scholarships and other programs, by supporting its 38 member colleges and universities, and by advocating for the importance of minority education and college readiness.  UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. The UNCF logo features the torch of leadership in education and UNCF’s widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® Learn more at www.UNCF.org.