LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

People ask me a lot, when did I know I wanted to have a foundation and how long has Wade’s World Foundation existed? My answer to them is…. almost 20 years ago, in my mind. I remember at 7 years old watching the news and seeing a celebrity visit a school and so many kids were happy to see them. How life changing that visit must have been. All I could think is “why don’t no one come to my neighborhood” and that day I decided if I ever made it I would come back to my community and give back. With the blessing of God I am able to do so. My efforts are global but my focus has been primarily in the three states of Florida, Illinois, and Wisconsin. I have been able to serve underserved and underprivileged communities in the suburban areas of Miami, Chicago and Milwaukee. This past year was a big year for WWF. It was a great accomplishment to have established partnerships with existing outreach programs in three states.

Over the past year in Illinois we donated $25,000 to the William Leonard Public Library located in Robbins, IL. I felt obligated to help my hometown. Though small, my contributions to the library are beneficial to many, especially to the children in this disadvantaged area. They need the library as a resource to be better prepared and build self confidence. I also visited a couple of the schools I attended as a child, Cockrell Child Parent Center and Betsy Ross Elementary, which was actually more life changing to me then it probably was to them.

In Milwaukee we partnered with The Boys and Girls Club of America and Marquette University to give the youth an opportunity to walk in my shoes and attend the college that helped make me the man I am today. In Miami we partnered with one of the most respected philanthropists and athletes in the world, Alonzo Mourning, as well as established other relationships with other great after school programs in Wade, I mean Dade county.

I love the game of basketball but I know my life purpose is bigger than basketball. Wade’s World Foundations’ motto is “Every Child Deserves a Shot” and with our relationships existing programs we hope to give them a shot. This year, we want to get everyone involved and volunteering more. That is why this year we pose the question, “Will you be the one to get the ASSIST?”. With supporters like you, we are able to continue to develop, expand, and touch lives around the globe.

Thank you for the ASSIST, and thank you for being a part of Wade’s World Foundation. I hope you enjoy our new website and continue to support our efforts to leave the world a better place than we found it.

P.S. For those that are new to reading and hearing about my foundation I want everyone to know, YES the name “Wade’s World” does come from the tv show “Wayne’s World”. Again as a kid I knew I wanted to use that name.

Warm Regards,


Dwyane Wade Founder,
Wade’s World Foundation