The Rakeem Christmas Foundation

The Rakeem Christmas Foundation (RCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2016, for the purpose of creating safe spaces for kids to grow and play. RCF is 100% managed and operated by volunteers. Created by the foundation’s namesake, Rakeem Christmas, RCF currently focuses its efforts on renovating basketball courts in Rakeem's hometown, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in the city of his current team, Indianapolis, Indiana. To date, there are more than 20 basketball courts that are in dire need of repair in the Virgin Islands. In partnership with other local and national organizations, RCF hosts an annual charity week in July aptly named “Christmas in July” to help raise funds for these costly renovations. The “Christmas in July” annual event brings together youth from across the U.S. Virgin Islands to engage in friendly competition while providing them with skill-building and one-of-a-kind mentorship opportunities from Rakeem and his NBA friends. ________ ABOUT RAKEEM CHRISTMAS Rakeem grew up on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands (America’s Paradise) and is a second-year NBA athlete, formerly with the Indiana Pacers. Rakeem wholeheartedly believes in the potential of Virgin Islands youth. That’s why, in addition to renovating severely dilapidated courts throughout the Virgin Islands region, Rakeem's desire is to create opportunities that will showcase youth who are highly skilled and capable of excelling in the sport that he has come to love. Providing safe courts to hone their talents is just one key step forward in realizing this vision.