DeMarre Carroll of The Toronto Raptors Hosts his First-Ever ‘Carroll Weekend’ Birthday Celebration in Birmingham, AL

DeMarre Carroll of The Toronto Raptors Hosts his First-Ever ‘Carroll Weekend’ Birthday Celebration in Birmingham, AL

Birmingham, AL/ 27 July, 2015—This past weekend, newly signed Toronto Raptors small forward, DeMarre Carroll, returned to his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama to host his first-ever Carroll Weekend Affair, in light of his birthday. The theme of the weekend was “giving back”, where DeMarre planned an experience of events to give back and show his appreciation for his native town. This series of events which was presented by the Carroll Family Foundation was created to promote health and wellness, humanitarianism and unity within the community.

On Friday, DeMarre and The Carroll Family Foundation team visited with the young patients of Children’s of Alabama. As a liver disease survivor, DeMarre wanted to visit with the transplant patients of the hospital. The gracious staff of COA welcomed everyone inside and began the tour of the facility. As DeMarre entered the hospitals play area, he was surprised by the doctors, nurses and patients with a lovely rendition of the ‘Happy Birthday’ song along with a Happy Birthday banner signed by them. DeMarre stayed awhile and signed basketballs for the kids and even played some virtual basketball with a few patients. As the tour went on, DeMarre visited the rooms of patients who were unable to attend the playroom party and did not leave until every child had a signed ball and photo to commemorate the visit. “He is just so humble, gracious and giving. He may never know the impact of this visit and what it means for these children”, Andrea Martin of COA stated.

On Saturday, DeMarre held a one-day basketball clinic at his alma mater of John Carroll Catholic High School, as part of his Next Level Basketball Series. The children and parents could not have been more pleased to learn some basketball techniques from one of their favorite players. One parent in particular, and his mother nicknamed “May May”, shared with the Carroll team that they drove over from Atlanta with their whole family, planned a vacation around his weekend of events and to make sure their two sons could attend the clinic and meet their favorite player. Dozens of boys and girls ran drills, played 1×1 and 3×3 games and got to listen to DeMarre’s journey within the NBA. As the clinic came to an end, the children enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Jack’s® and surprised DeMarre with a cookie cake for his birthday.

Immediately following the clinic, DeMarre and team headed over to Memorial Park for their Back to School Drive and Giveaway. The Carroll Family Foundation and members of the Perfect Kingdom Christian Church sponsored bags of supplies for the less fortunate children of the Birmingham area. As families lined up to receive their school bags, they had the opportunity to meet the NBA star and take pictures with him. The ladies of the church provided hot dogs, juice, chips and cookies for everyone in attendance, and even NOLA Ice and Frio’s Gourmet Pops had their trucks pull up to the park for kids to have a cold treat when they left. Over 150 families received supplies and any remaining bags were donated to local group homes, shelters and youth programs within the area. “It’s amazing that I have the opportunity to come back to my hometown and give back. Birmingham made me who I am today, and I am grateful for the support the city gave me for my first ever ‘Carroll Weekend’,” DeMarre Carroll states.

To learn more about The Carroll Family Foundation and how to get involved please visit CFF We Believe

Media interested in speaking with DeMarre Carroll, contact Theory Communications:
Andrea Hamilton | Andrea@TheoryComm.com | 404.447.9894

Photo Credit – Jamon McCoy of J McCoy Photography