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Our Story
The McNeal/Acker Organization was established in 2010 with the launch of its first camp. The primary focus was to provide a quality basketball camp that served children in the south suburbs. Hillcrest High School was the host location and was an excellent opportunity for Jerel Mc Neal and Maurice Acker to give back to the school community they grew up in.
Small steps.
big victories.
Our first camp was successful and accomplished the primary goal. Although the organization was in its infancy, it was able to obtain sponsors, guest speakers, and support from community aldermen and other leaders. At that time, plans were made to secure the resources necessary to have camp the following year.
By the summer of 2015, the McNeal/ Acker Organization had successfully served over 200 kids and had launched the Back 2 School Blast the previous year. The Back 2 School Blast is a free event, open to the public. It is an opportunity for kids to celebrate the start of the new school year, with fun, games, and entertainment. The McNeal/ Acker Organization obtained donations and financed school supplies for children pre-k to high school. The Back 2 School Blast has helped to highlight the mission and vision of the organization, giving us the opportunity to demonstrate our continued efforts to positively contribute to the community.
Brick by brick
The McNeal Acker Organization filed for Articles of Incorporation March 27, 2015. At that time the it became the McNeal/Acker Foundation. The prospect of a non-for profit status allows the Foundation to obtain funding for programming and supplies.
The McNeal/Acker Foundation has established viable methodologies and programming. The goal is to increase the capacity in which it serves children and the community. With funding and the ability to pay for summer camp being a major issue for many families, the McNeal/Acker Foundation would like to provide opportunities for struggling families. Future plans include securing a location that can be used for more weeks throughout the summer, continuing to provide nutritional breakfasts and lunches for camp attendees, working with the neighborhood high schools to better fulfill school supply lists for this age group, and increase programming to meet the academic needs of the children we serve.
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Because Jerel McNeal’s and Maurice Acker’s gratitude for the care and support given to them on their professional basketball journey, the Foundation is tasked with the honor of paying it forward. This is their life’s dream and gift to generations that follow them.
