Dear Kids: Read, Learn and Have Fun

On Oct. 11, over 70 Wolves staffers volunteered for more than 400 hours at St. Paul's Scheffer Park to paint, build and detail a new reading and learning center for the St. Paul community.

Tuesday at Scheffer Park, the Wolves FastBreak Foundation and American Family Insurance were on hand to present the reading and learning center to a thrilled audience of kids and community members. New flooring, lighting, furniture and paint were part of the makeover, including a full-kitchen remodel and bright murals on the wall featuring several Wolves players.

Wolves broadcaster Lea B. Olson kicked off the festivities by introducing Wolves president Chris Wright.

"There are three legs to our stool: to have a high work ethic in everything we do; to strive for excellence; and to always remember and give back to our community," he said. "We look for ways to integrate ourselves into the community, and Scheffer Park is absolutely one of those examples.

"We want you kids to be safe, to come in here to read and learn, and also to have fun."

Joining Wright were Wolves players Corey Brewer and Ryan Gomes, along with St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, who first thanked the Wolves for donating a new basketball court to Scheffer Park last season.

"This reading and learning center is really critical," said the Mayor. "We have several kids coming (here) every day after school wanting to continue their learning day, and this reading and learning center is going to allow us to make that a better experience. Kids need to have places to go where they can extend their learning time."

Mayor Coleman explained that 80 percent of kids' time is spent outside of the classroom, but stressed the importance of continued study outside of school. That's a big reason the Wolves contribute reading and learning centers that serve as safe places to learn and play. The renovations are a crucial part to the Read to Achieve program, as well as the NBA Cares initiative to create 100 spaces nationwide within the next five years.

Of course, on Tuesday many of the kids were most excited about the chance to take pictures with the Wolves young players, or to ask "How tall are you?" or "Are you Kevin Garnett?" 6-7 or 6-9, and no.

Still, as role models to the children, Brewer and Gomes showed recognition of their unique position to make a positive impact on the kids in just a short period of time.

"Basketball was second, books were first," said Gomes of his childhood. "Everything else was an extracurricular activity. You have to put a lot of hard work into your education, because it is the most important thing to your development."

"No matter what, you have to work really hard to achieve your dreams," offered Brewer, Minnesota's No. 7 overall draft pick. "But also, you need to think before you make decisions so that you do the right thing."

As the kids munched on cookies, candy and drank lemonade, Gomes also encouraged them to believe in themselves.

"You have to have confidence in your abilities to succeed, and you have to work hard to get there," stated the Minnesota forward. "My inspiration came from my mother, and you need to listen to your parents because they're only here to help."

To help is just what the Wolves FastBreak Foundation and American Family Insurance were able to accomplish at Scheffer Park.

The Wolves continue the "See What They Can Do" Tour on Halloween by visiting local elementary schools, and continue the reading and learning initiative with a Reading Time Out Thursday at a local school.