Derek Jeter Surprises Children at Annual Turn 2 Holiday Express
Although his playing career may have ended, Derek Jeter has been spending a lot of his time in the New York area, most recently catching up with kids in need from the local community. On Monday, December 8, Derek surprised 485 children at his Turn 2 Foundation’s annual Holiday Express at AMC Lincoln Center Theatre. Holiday Express is an annual event that alternates locations between New York and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Underserved children from across New York City’s five boroughs were treated to an advanced screening of the movie Annie, as a part of a recognition night to commending the youth for theirpositive behavior, commitment to their studies, and outstanding leadership qualities exemplified across their schools and in their communities.
In addition to the screening and meet and greet with the former New York Yankees shortstop, the children were paid a surprise visit by Santa Claus and his elves. And, of course, Santa and the elves showed up with gift bags for each attendee. The gift bags were put together through the assistance of some of Jeter’s Leaders at a makeshift North Pole at Yankee Stadium.
The children left the event with smiles on their faces and an experience that will last a lifetime, but they weren’t the only ones touched by the holiday joy, “ The children in our programs have inspired me through their hard work and dedication to bettering themselves and their communities, and I hope their holiday season is filled with the same joy they have brought my family,” said Derek.
To learn more about Major League players and their charitable events, visit www.PlayersTrust.org.
About Jeter’s Leaders
Jeter’s Leaders is the signature initiative of the Turn 2 Foundation. The four-year program fosters academic achievement, healthy lifestyles, leadership development and social change among high school students in New York and Kalamazoo who serve as ambassadors for Derek in their communities.
About the Turn 2 Foundation
The Turn 2 Foundation, established in 1996, has awarded more than $20 million in grants to create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to “TURN 2” healthy lifestyles. Through these ventures, the Foundation strives to create outlets for children to achieve academic excellence, develop leadership skills and remain drug and alcohol free. These programs all share the same goal of helping today’s youth become the leaders of tomorrow.
