5th Annual Wade’s World Foundation Weekend Starring Chicago!

The symbol of two hands marks the icon associated with the Wade’s World Foundation. It’s simple but the meaning behind it holds a powerful and selfless message.

We use our hands as tools – often for manual and physical labor- metaphorically, for providing help and giving back in some form. Hands are offered and extended.  And so, it makes great sense as to why the image of two hands are symbolically connected to the mission and acknowledgement of Dwyane Wade’s eight-year-old charity, Wade’s World Foundation (WWF).

The goal is clear. WWF continues to work with the purpose of helping to inspire and provide support to community-based organizations that promote education, health and social skills for at-risk youth.

It’s a situation that D-Wade connects with on various levels. A product of Chicago’s south side, Wade was once right in the midst of inner city struggles.  He bared witness to many gang and drug-related interactions within the community. Often wondering, why there was never a celebrity or someone coming to offer their hands in making the community a safer and productive place. These questioning thoughts remain for many.

For this, his vision in creating the Wade’s World Foundation spawned philanthropic efforts that reach far beyond a handshake and smile. Wade is in various communities and building programs that provide opportunities for youth.

His heart and initial point of reference though is a place he’ll always call home, Chicago. He identifies with the challenges and hopes that through his efforts and those working along side him will surely make a difference in the outcome of lives.

During the 5th annual Wade’s World Weekend, which kicked off August 23rd at The Mid and on thru the weekend.  Wade shared with N’DIGO how personal challenges coming up in Chicago gauged and broader vision for wanting to give back.

“I was an at-risk kid. I grew up in the inner city just like most of our youth in the Chicago area so I know what they deal with and I know what they feel,” he expressed.

“I know how many people it took and what it took for me to be successful. It took a lot of people to reach their hand back and grab me, help push me and open a lot of doors for me – so that’s what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to make sure that we can open doors for our youth.”

Wade’s World Foundation Weekend of Fundraising:

Thursday night, rapper and friend, Nelly came through the Mid to host the Kick-off Celebration.

“D. Wade is doing a great job with the foundation. I had a great time hosting the kick off celebration and connecting with my Chicago fans. The energy was crazy!,” Nelly told the press.

On Friday, during a private-invite only gathering,  the foundation congratulated Wade on his 2012 NBA Championship along with the 5th  Anniversary of Wade’s World Weekend!

Saturday was a day of youthful talent,  at the Chicago Theater where guests attended the D.Wade’s Chicago Has Talent Showcase with special guest, Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), Tika Sumpter (Gossip Girl, Sparkle) and performances from CoCo Jones (Disney) and Jacob Latimore.

Before entering the kick-off celebration at the Mid, Wade shared his excitement about giving back to Chicago and working to support the youth, “It feels great knowing that we continue to get support – that’s the biggest thing. I’m not here in Chicago but I’m from here so I always want to make sure that I come back and do something positive and if we continue to get the support from the community, then we’re doing a good job.”

D. Wade has so much more going on off the court and it’s always good to see those who have made it to a level where they are able to genuinely extend a hand and help others.

Keep up with the movement @ www.wadesworldfoundation.org

Here’s a flick through of the weekend fundraising and entertainment!