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GREG BUCKNER PRACTICES WHAT HE PREACHES
From the Heart
Laughter is what Greg Buckner is known for. One can walk into the Nuggets locker room on any given day and hear Buckner’s distinctive laugh anywhere within ear shot. His laughter is contagious. On Tuesday, June 13, the Nuggets guard visited patients at The Children’s Hospital in Denver. He ventured room to room greeting and conversing with the children and their parents. He brought cards, posters and coloring books that he would autograph for each child; but more importantly he brought his trademark laugh and smile, which resonated throughout the rooms and hallways and was mirrored by anyone he came in contact with. If only for an hour or two, Buckner was able to give these patients some relief and escape from the illnesses they suffer from. The mission statement for the Greg Buckner Foundation states: “Our mission is to implement programs that develop children both mentally and emotionally and enable them to excel through physical and educational training.” Along with the mission of the foundation, Buckner’s group also expresses this vision: “Believing that people have the potential to make our world better through their work with children, The Greg Buckner Foundation has taken up the task to educate and develop children in mind, body, and spirit. The implementation of our programs is designed to challenge and support children while emphasizing strong moral values, honest effort, and responsibility for oneself and one's community. “Our structured and rigorous program provides students with clear expectations and consistent encouragement, a framework for growth that honors creativity, teamwork, and competition. The Greg Buckner Foundation helps students to develop clear thinking and a life-long love of learning; to become sensitive and responsive to the complexities of modern society; to gain the skills, values and courage to face that future with confidence; and to embrace, both now and later in life, a spirit of working together to better the world!” This is not just lip service. Buckner and his foundation practice what they preach. Whether it is a hospital visit, a series of basketball camps throughout Colorado and South Carolina, or their dedicated work with the Denver Children’s Home, a residential facility for abused and neglected children where he delivered Thanksgiving turkeys and hosted a holiday party that included a visit from Santa Claus and distributed a variety of presents for the kids. Buckner is constantly striving to achieve his mission. In September 2005, Buckner and his foundation, in conjunction with local radio station KS-107.5, raised $21,000 for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, which was matched by his Nuggets teammate Kenyon Martin. In addition to that, the fundraiser garnered two full U-Haul trucks of food, clothing and other supplies for the victims. The Foundation is made up of Directors Buckner, Wayne Watts, Brittany Young, James White, Andre Buckner and Oliver Hill, all of whom bring various talents, experience and background to help contribute to the goals of Buckner himself and the foundation. One thing is certain, Greg Buckner cares about kids and his community and through his vision he IS making our world better. To learn more about the Greg Buckner Foundation, volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, please visit the Greg Buckner Foundation official website: www.gregbucknerfoundation.net.
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