Greetings Potential Donors/Sponsors,

The old African proverb that says “It takes a village to raise a child” remains true today, in a city and country where violent crimes continue to impact Black boys at alarming rates. We’re asking for a hand in our collective efforts to support our young men. Several parents of Washington DC’s Benjamin Banneker Academic High School came together to create a safe place for all freshman high school boys who partake in our program to grow and further develop their basketball skills, leadership abilities, and confidence.

We are Akim the Dream Teams, Inc. of Washington, DC and our team’s name is TEAM ILLMATIC. Named” Akim the Dream Teams”, in honor of one of our very own village kids who loved basketball and dreamed big, until his untimely death at age 19. Our mission is. not only to use basketball to enhance teamwork and athletic performance but also as a metaphor for life which teaches our youth the leadership and life skills needed to succeed far beyond the court. Most of the founding players and parents are from Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, which is proudly ranked #1 among high schools in DC and #96th in the nation according to US News and World Report.

The exemplary academic foundation set by Banneker Academic High School is the standard, so all of our players (regardless of what school they attend) are required to prioritize academics to be a part of the team. Team Illmatic will involve 12-15 freshman high school boys of various socioeconomic backgrounds throughout Washington, DC, and its surrounding metropolitan communities.

Your contributions will go towards uniforms, equipment, supplies, transportation, lodging, meals, AAU fees, and practice facility rental. Additionally, contributions will offset participation costs for some of our kids whose parents are experiencing financial hardship. Please consider donating to our efforts, as we want to establish a sustainable program to fill our community’s needs. The hope is that 2023 is just the beginning of a basketball program that will be known for developing players who are scholars, leaders, and life-long world influencers.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Please note that Akim the Dream Teams, Inc is a 501(c) (3), and our tax ID number is: 92-1887715. For corporate contributions above $2,000, your logo can be included on our team gear with appropriate approval. It is also important to understand that the founding members are parents, students, and alumni of Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Washington, DC and there are no otherwise official affiliations, commitments, or obligations.

Sincerely,

Akim the Dream Team management