Dahlia: Celebrities jump-start Nugget's effort for kids

Published February 9, 2006 at midnight

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When Denver Nuggets guard/forward Greg Buckner isn't scoring points on the basketball court, he is scoring points for kids through his Greg Buckner Foundation.

The new nonprofit organization was established by Buckner to help develop kids' mental and emotional capabilities through education and physical training.

A recent black-tie gala sponsored by Ferrari of Denver in the Korbel Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center marked the foundation's offical introduction to Denver.

The launch party also announced the foundation's partnership with the Denver Children's Home, which treats traumatized, abused and neglected children ages 6 to 18. The foundation plans to assist the children's home with a renovation project later this year.

As mistress of ceremonies, Emmy Award-winning CBS 4 News anchorwoman Molly Hughes welcomed guests, including Buckner's Nuggets teammates Carmelo Anthony, accompanied by his fiancee, MTV personality La La Vazquez, Kenyon Martin, Andre Miller and DerMarr Johnson.

Also showing their support were Denver Broncos wide receiver Ashley Lelie and tackle George Foster, who was spotted on the dance floor with foundation director Chanita Campbell.

Foster, Campbell and more than 275 other guests danced to the smooth sounds of Bad Boy/Arista R&B recording artist Carl Thomas, who provided the evening's musical grooves after comedian Michael Blackson provided some chuckles.

Other foundation staff members on hand included marketing director Wayne Watts, educational programming director James White, programming director Oliver Hill and Buckner's brother, foundation creative services director Andre Buckner.

One of the foundation's inaugural programs is Buckner's All Stars, which recognizes kids ages 12 to 18 who have excelled in school, received educational awards and honors and served as community volunteers. About 45 "all-stars" attended the fete.

Another program that will benefit the foundation is the Greg Buckner School of Basketball, a year- round training package open to male and female enthusiasts ages 12 and up. It features one-on-one training, occasional guest workouts with NBA and college players, work on each player's specific area for improvement and regular analysis and assessments.

In addition to the individual program, the foundation offers basketball camps in Denver, Colorado Springs and Sumter and Greenville, S.C. Camp tuition also will benefit the foundation.

The foundation is seeking 20 qualified coaches/counselors for the Colorado and Carolina camps. Male and female applicants are welcome.

For more information on the basketball programs or the Greg Buckner Foundation, call Andre Buckner, 303-944-9175, or visit www.gregbucknerfoundation.net.

Dahlia Jean Weinstein is the society writer. weinsteind@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2882.

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