The Hampton family who went to Hollywood is paying it forward. The Ellen show recognized the Pierce family for their good work in the community.
Now that they are home they are having a giveaway of their own.
The Pierce family couldn't have been more excited when they won thousands of dollars in prizes from the Ellen show.
Ellen selected them because of the work Dominique and Johnathan do with at-risk youth and adults in the community. Ellen was so impressed she even invited them to be on the show in Hollywood.
So it came as no surprise that the Pierce family decided to share their good fortune with the ALA Ballerz, a basketball league with a purpose.
"We let them know that basketball is secondary. We really promote the arts, leadership, but all of it is about them becoming better people,” says Marquetta Norton of ALA Ballerz
Dajon Hogan says it's working for him. He's been in the league 3 years.
He says he is a different person than before the ALA Ballerz.
"Back then, I really didn't care. [I was] off the wall....catch an attitude, now I’m getting better,” says Hogan.
When the team sits together, they don't have to search for words to express how lucky they feel to be with the league.
"I was just trying to be in a better environment and not on the streets cause it’s not good for you. This organization makes you be a better person,” says Terry Darden who has been in the league for two years.
That's what the Pierce family is trying to accomplish! They donated some of their Ellen show prizes to raffle off to support the league.
"It's an avenue for them to stay out of trouble, positive male role models, and just doing something they love which is to play basketball,” says Jonathan Pierce.
It may be a game on the court, but it’s the goal and ministry of coach Anthony Norton to help these young men win the game of life.
"Teach them some basic life principles to help build their self-esteem and self-confidence, I want them to see if they can do it on the court they can use that same skill set and apply it in daily life,” says Antony Norton, ALA Ballerz founder and coach.
To continue the good works, the league is holding a raffle with one of the Ellen show top prizes.
For a five dollar donation, you could win an xbox 360 and two other great prizes.
It’s a donation to support the dreams and destiny of the ALA Ballerz.
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Hampton couple heads to Hollywood after winning prize from The Ellen Show
