FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2021
CONTACT:
Susan Kooperstein
617.875.3619
skooperstein@comcast.net
Lee Phenner
339.368.1140
lee.phenner@bostonabcd.org
Boston Celtics President of Baseball Operations Brad Stevens and Sports Writer & Basketball Guru Bob Ryan to host
ABCD Hoop Dreams at TD Garden to benefit at-risk youth
Boston businesses and super fans draft teams to play b-ball on the legendary parquet
NBC Sports Boston’s Michael Holley to emcee; Bob Ryan to moderate private Q & A
(BOSTON, MA) – Generous Boston businesses and groups of super fans are getting their game on and recruiting teams for ABCD Hoop Dreams, the iconic charity basketball tournament played on the legendary TD Garden parquet. They get to live out a fantasy – drive the lane or make that three-pointer at the buzzer – while making a huge impact on the lives of young people in need of resources and opportunities.
Tip-off under the Celtics championship banners is Tuesday, November 2nd , at 5:00 p.m.
Hoop Dreams is a fundraising event co-founded by NBA Championship-winning Coach Doc Rivers
and the great Boston sports columnist and author Bob Ryan. Rivers, who now leads the Philadelphia
76ers, can’t be in town due to the demands of his NBA schedule, but he urges everyone to get involved:
“When I moved to Boston and discovered ABCD, I was so impressed by the work they do to equip and
empower disadvantaged folks – especially young people — that I became a fan for life. I encourage the
business community and groups of friends to suit up a team and be part of ABCD Hoop Dreams. It will
be an unforgettable night for you, and you’ll make a huge difference in these young people’s lives,” said
Rivers.
After he left Boston, he enlisted his successor Brad Stevens as his Hoop Dreams co-host. Stevens, now
the Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations, will be the featured guest in a private Q&A
moderated by Bob Ryan.
“I’m excited to be part of Hoop Dreams, which raises money for ABCD programs that break down
barriers and create opportunity for young people in Boston who face serious hurdles. A fun night of
basketball can help change lives – hope to see you there,” said Brad Stevens.
Thanks to the generosity of TD Garden and its President Amy Latimer, Garden Neighborhood
Charities, the Boston Celtics, and participating businesses and friends, each year Hoop Dreams
benefits ABCD’s innovative Youth Services programs. Its signature program, ABCD SummerWorks, provides under-resourced youth with paid jobs that give back to the community, as well as career
development workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and soft skills training.
ABCD Hoop Dreams 2021 welcomes best-selling author and NBC Sports Host Michael Holley as
emcee, as well as Event Co-chairs Charlie Titus, retired Vice Chancellor, UMass Boston, and Peter
Damato, CEO, the Merchant Resource Group.
ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew said the COVID-19 pandemic hits low-income communities
especially hard. “Most of the neighbors we serve, largely communities of color, were severely affected
by the pandemic. Our young people faced technology gaps and other obstacles when having to attend
school at home. We could not be more grateful to our supporters and the teams who pay to play at TD
Garden and help the next generation make their way to a better future,” Drew said.
Last year’s ABCD Hoop Dreams tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a
look at what Hoop Dreams is all about.
Again this year, players and fans can post and share on social media using #ABCDHoopDreams and
tagging @bostonabcd on Facebook and Twitter, @ABCDBoston on Instagram, and @action-for-
boston-community-development on LinkedIn.
Hoop Dreams is a fast-paced tournament featuring half-court games that power up to the big moment
when the 2021 champions earn the coveted trophy! There’s space for a limited number of teams. Slots
are available but they go quick!
The organization invites the general public to donate as well so that more students can be put on the
path to success. Visit bostonabcd.org/donate to make a donation.
For more information regarding ABCD Hoop Dreams 2021, contact Liz McCarthy at 617.620.6949
or elizabeth.mccarthy@bostonabcd.org, or visit abcdhoopdreams.org.
