Send Juanita and her children to Andre's Funeral

As many of you know, my friend, Andre Mitchell, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on November 4, 2021 at the age of 48, leaving behind his life partner of 14 years and her 4 children, the youngest 3 of whom he raised as his own. Andre was the head of this family, providing for them both financially and emotionally, and his untimely death has been devastating. I am asking for donations so that Juanita, Stefan, Korrina and Caitlyn can travel to Andre's birthplace of New Orleans for his funeral service and burial.

Andre, a singularly generous, humble and gentle man, retired after 20 of service to the U.S. Navy and dedicated a huge part of his life to coaching and mentoring youth in the San Diego basketball community, including my children. Through his positions as a coach for the YMCA, Bonita Vista High and Middle Schools and Eastlake High School basketball teams, Andre was a critical element in the success of countless children and young people in the South County. Coach Andre took his position as a role model as seriously as anyone I have ever known and was beloved by his players and their families.

In addition to Juanita and her children, Andre is survived by his daughter Kiara and his parents and extended family in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, Although Andre made San Diego his home for more than half of his life, his body has been transported there to be laid to rest and a funeral service and burial is scheduled in the next few weeks. The funds raised here will be used to defray the cost of airfare and lodging so that Juanita, Stefan, Korrina and Caitlyn can travel to Louisiana to pay their final respects to Andre.