It’s game on for good— at the Birthplace Celebrity Classic! Cheer on your local youth basketball teams as they compete on the Basketball Hall of Fame court in Springfield! Purchase your tickets today, and not only will you witness exciting games, but ticket proceeds support the Y-Aim program. Let's cheer on our future stars and make this a slam dunk experience for everyone!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun at our Family Bowling Extravaganza at MGM Springfield—where strikes and spares serve a greater purpose! Gather your loved ones and neighbors for an exciting night of bowling, laughter, and friendly competition, all while supporting the Y-Aim program. With prizes and delicious snacks, it's the perfect opportunity to make memories and give back to the community. Every pin knocked down helps us reach our goal of supporting Y-Aim, so come join the fun and make a difference together!
Made Possible By:
Bowling Extravaganza Celebrity Guest Bartenders :
We’re excited to announce a special bonus at our Family Bowling Extravaganza at MGM Springfield—celebrity bartenders will be serving up drinks! Come by, meet them, and enjoy a beverage while you bowl. Don’t miss out on the fun!
June Archer is the President and CEO of ELEVEN28 ENTERTAINMENT, having started his career in music as a member of Elektra Records’ group Room Service. After the group disbanded, he transitioned into the business side of the industry, working behind the scenes to help develop artists. He also created "Hot Chocolate Soul," a showcase for emerging talent in music, comedy, and poetry. Committed to giving back, June speaks to teens about the importance of education and advocates for causes like HIV/AIDS and breast cancer. He produces the annual "Celebration of Life" charity event and the "100 Men of Color" and "100 Women of Color" galas, honoring leaders in business, entertainment, and public service.
June has received numerous accolades, including RIAA Platinum and Gold plaques for his work with artists like Jay-Z and 50 Cent, and has been recognized for his community service with awards like the Martin Luther King Jr. Award and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity. A Grammy and Soul Train Award nominee, he is also an author, sharing his motivational insights through his books "Yes! Every Day Can Be a Good Day" and "Yes! You Can." Through his work, June continues to inspire others to dream big and make a positive impact.
Kevin Freeman is in his first season as an assistant coach at UConn, returning to his alma mater in 2020 to join Dan Hurley’s staff. This is Freeman’s second time on the UConn coaching staff, having previously served as the assistant director and later director of basketball administration from 2011-2018, including the 2014 NCAA Championship and 2016 American Athletic Conference title. He spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Penn State, helping the team achieve a 21-10 record before the 2019-20 season was cut short due to the pandemic.
A Springfield, Mass. native and UConn basketball legend, Freeman had a stellar four-year playing career, leading the team to the 1999 NCAA National Championship and earning numerous accolades. After a 11-year professional career overseas, Freeman transitioned into coaching and basketball administration.
Lidya Rivera-Early is a seasoned Program and Project Management professional with a Bachelor's in Human Services and a Master's in Organizational Management from Springfield College. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of Government Relations and Springfield Partnerships at UMASS.
Rivera-Early is passionate about giving back to her community, especially in education. She has a strong background in the corporate and public sectors, with experience in leadership, staff development, and service delivery. In 2018, she opened Lids_Live_Well LLC Fitness & Nutrition Club to empower others to live healthier lives.With her dedication to community service, Rivera-Early continues to make a positive impact on Springfield and beyond. She is a role model for those seeking to combine professional success with a commitment to social good.
Rosemary A. Saccomani is the Hampden County Registry of Probate, overseeing the daily administrative functions of the Probate and Family Court. She also serves as a MUPC Magistrate and Court Mediator. Her public service career began at the Springfield District Court Probation Department, followed by a role at the Massachusetts Parole Board, where she helped individuals impacted by substance addiction.
Rosemary was appointed Deputy Assistant Register of Probate in 2001 and elected Register of Probate in 2021. She has built partnerships with agencies like the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, DCF, and Jewish Family Services. Active in her community, she has served on the boards of the Make A Wish Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the Italian Cultural Center. Her volunteer work includes involvement with the Knights of Columbus, Unico Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Open Pantry Food Drives. As Register of Probate, she participates in outreach events to improve public access to justice for families in Hampden County.
Keshawn Dodds, born on February 24, 1978, in Springfield, Massachusetts, is a prominent football player and educator. He earned a football scholarship to American International College (AIC) in 1997, playing for four years and graduating with a B.S. in Education in 2001 and a Master of Education in 2009. After teaching fourth and fifth grades in Springfield Public Schools from 2001 to 2005, Keshawn served as a Mayoral Aide under Mayor Charles V. Ryan. He later returned to AIC for ten years, ultimately becoming the Director of Diversity and Community Engagement.
Keshawn is now the Executive Director of the Springfield Boys and Girls Club Family Center. He is also a published author of the Menzuo – Solar Warriors juvenile fiction series, which includes eight books and became an Amazon. An advocate for education and motivational speaking, Keshawn aims to inspire others to achieve their goals, a passion instilled in him by his mother, Elizabeth Dodds. He believes that success is born when hard work meets dedication.
2024 Photo Gallery:
