Source: Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation Website
One of the most talented athletes on the planet, Kobe Bean Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, is well known for his amazing skills and success on the basketball court.
One aspect of his life that should be noted, in addition to his athletic career, is his service to the public. In 2007, Kobe Bryant founded the VIVO Foundation, currently known as the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation (KVBFF).
According to the KVBFF website, this foundation is an effort to provide people with life-changing experiences designed to broaden their global perspectives. Through this initiative, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant have sponsored international enrichment experiences for minority college students and provided domestic and international youth scholarships for the Kobe Bryant Basketball Academy. KVBFF is dedicated to domestically and globally improving the lives of youth and families in need. By providing financial resources and developing unique programs, the foundation strives to strengthen communities through educational and cultural enrichment programs. KVBFF has partnered with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Step Up on Second, and My Friend’s Place to fight the growing problem of youth homelessness in Los Angeles. Kobe Bryant is the Honorary Chair of the United Way’s HomeWalk, a 5 kilometer family walk that raises money and spreads awareness needed to establish permanent housing for the less fortunate. The HomeWalk has taken place at Exposition Park every November since 2007.
Kobe Bryant’s service is not limited to his Foundation, however. He volunteers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting more wishes than any professional athlete to children with life threatening health concerns, and also towards NBA Cares, the NBA’s service organization that dedicates their time to helping our disadvantaged minority children in an effort to help overcome the obstacles set before them. Bryant also serves as the National Ambassador for After-School All Stars, a program directed towards at risk youth, visiting schools all over America, and emphasizing the importance of education.
Kobe Bryant pictured with some members of the Kobe Bryant Basketball Academy/ Source: Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation Website
Author: Briana Savage
Nommo Staff