To Our Dear Friend Bob Sloan, With gratitude and admiration for all that you do for Team Walker, your Community, your Friends and your family. Much Love Always, The O’Brien Family
This Evening’s Program Cocktail Hour Leo Zatta (Team Walker Chairman) Opening Comment Bryan DeNovellis (Master of Ceremonies) - Welcome Invocation Jerry Walker Greeting and Introduction of Team Walker Stars Team Walker Video Dinner Presentation of The Extraordinary Service Award to Robert Sloan Presented by James O’Brien - Napier Park Global Capital Presentation of ‘Pop’ Curry Award to Bob Ley Presented by Tracey Gottlieb - Seton Hall University Team Walker Learning Center Update Presented by Jerry Walker 1
The Team Walker Learning Center A Dream Come True As many of you know, we broke ground on the new Team Walker Learning Center on September 7th, 2011. Since then we’ve watched the building grow brick-by-brick, and we are expecting to move in very soon. It’s been wonderful to watch the progress and see the excitement in the neighborhood, as well as among Team Walker’s kids, parents, and staff.
The 2013 Walk for Team Walker was held on June 22nd at Exchange Place, Jersey City. A beautiful day enhanced this exciting event. The 9th Annual Team Walker Golf Open took place on July 9th at the beautiful Somerset Hills Country Club in Bernardsville, NJ. Both of these events are major fundraisers for Team Walker and we thank all those who attended.
Team Walker has been positively affecting Jersey City youth since its inception in 1996. And now we will finally have our own home, with the opportunity to grow even more and help even more children. This is our dream coming true!
We are very grateful, as always, to our excellent staff for once again helping Team Walker with all of our programs. We are also thankful to our Board of Trustees, our donors and supporters, and the organizations we have partnered with this year to bring our variety of programs to Jersey City’s kids.
It’s been a busy year for us – we had our Opening Day 2013 celebration on June 29th to celebrate the beginning of the Team Walker summer programs. Along with The 21st Century Community Learning Center and the Jersey City Department of Recreation, we held a Summer STEM Academy enrichment program from July 8 – August 8 at PS 22 in Jersey City. STEM focuses on four areas of learning: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
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We are looking forward to move-in day at the new Learning Center with great anticipation! Over the next few months, we hope to see you all there so that you too can experience this dream come true!
Today
About Team Walker
T
eam Walker was founded in 1996 by Jersey City natives Jerry and Jasper Walker, who aspired to give Jersey City children the same after school programs they enjoyed while growing up. They knew these programs helped them mature academically, and also provided them with an athletic outlet for their basketball abilities. After graduating from St. Anthony High School and helping the Friars win a mythical national championship, Jerry enrolled at Seton Hall University and was instrumental in helping lead the Pirates Men’s Basketball team to three trips to the NCAA Tournament. For his efforts, Walker was honored as the Metropolitan Player of the Year Award and the ESPN Post-Player of the Year Award.
combination with a gained sense of accomplishment and heightened awareness of their capabilities, they could significantly improve their quality of life, today and for future generations of inner city children. Although Team Walker lacked financial support at the program’s inception, that did not impede Jasper and Jerry from realizing their vision. Using their own savings earned from working on Wall Street and playing basketball overseas, and fueled by the inspiration of their grandfather, who founded the Lafayette Neighborhood Association, Jerry and Jasper were able to start the program beginning with a summer basketball tournament. To their great credit, the program has been hugely successful, growing from one basketball clinic, and a handful of children, to over 1,000 participants, and yearround academic and athletic programs in Jersey City. And now, after operating out of small and shared space, The Team Walker Learning Center is scheduled to open during the fall of 2013! Team Walker is a 501C(3) organization.
Returning to his childhood neighborhood in Jersey City after enjoying a professional basketball career in Europe, Jerry saw the need for the type of programs that proved to be of such great benefit in his personal development. He has since devoted his life to Team Walker. The Team Walker vision was to create a program that would provide safe and constructive alternatives to the negative influences that plague inner city youth. Through a structured academic and recreational environment, the children would learn how to focus on teamwork, responsibility, persistence and unity. The staff knew that if children were provided positive role models, in
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Many Thanks to the Dedicated 2013 Team Walker Board of Trustees: Dean Cole
Paul Gregory
Robert Sloan
Robin Cunningham
Arturas Karnisovas
Jerry Walker
Bryan Felt
Christopher Lutz
Elnardo Webster, Jr.
Robert Fetterly
Philip McGee – Chairman Emeritus
Leo Zatta – Chairman
Jim O’Brien
Special Thanks to This Evening’s Sponsors: MVP SPONSORS: The Walsh Family, The Wall Street Group ALL AMERICAN SPONSOR: The O’Brien Family ALL-STAR SPONSORS: RD Legal Funding CHAMPION SPONSOR: Seton Hall University, Provident Bank SPORTSMANSHIP SPONSORS: Wiss & Co. LLP, Durkin & Durkin, Country Club Services
Special Thanks to Team Walker’s Seton Hall University Family! 4
Jerry Walker Founder and CEO
A
native of Jersey City, New Jersey, Jerry
Walker has undoubtedly made his mark on the community. He got his start at Saint Anthony
Metropolitan Rookie of the Year (1991), and ESPN Post Season Player of the Year. Following an impressive collegiate career, Jerry went on to play basketball professionally in Europe. He made stops in Spain, Turkey, France, Puerto Rico, and Lithuania.
High School, where he
Despite all his success on the court, Jerry has left an even
played basketball under
bigger mark with the work he has done since his basketball
Hall of Fame coach Bob
career has ended. In 1996, he returned to Jersey City and
Hurley. A four-time All-
founded the non-profit organization Team Walker. Given
American, Jerry helped
his own childhood experiences, Jerry wanted to create
the Friars win four State a program that would provide safe and constructive Championships and the 1989 National Championship. To
alternatives to the negative influences that plague inner-city
this day, he remains the first and only freshman to start
youth.
on the Friars varsity team. His impressive resume led The Star-Ledger to name him one of the state’s All-Time Top 50 Basketball Players. Jerry continued his impressive basketball career not too far
Seventeen years later, Jerry continues to dedicate his life to improving the lives of the children of Jersey City through the work of Team Walker. His organization offers full-year programs that teach students the importance of academics,
from home at Seton Hall University. In his four years at teamwork, and sportsmanship. The programs provide SHU from 1990-1993, the Pirates captured two Big East services such as tutoring, literacy training, drug and alcohol Championships and made three consecutive trips to the prevention forums, and life skills and sports programs. NCAA Tournament. He finished his career with a .530 shooting percentage, good for third best in school history. He also became the 12th player ever at Seton Hall to score 1,000 points and grab 600 rebounds. His accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed as he received
Jerry Walker already has a lifetime of accomplishments. From successful high school, college and professional basketball careers to his work in the non-profit sector, Jerry is and will continue to be a role model for the children of Jersey City.
numerous awards throughout his collegiate career. Some of the highlights include BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year (1992-1993), Metropolitan Player of the Year (1992),
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Robin Cunningham Director of Academics
R
obin
Cunningham
was
the Director of Academic the Seton Hall community honored her with the Woman
Support Services for student
of the Year Award, and in 2008 when she was chosen for
athletes at Seton Hall from
the Humanitarian Award by the Alumni Association at the
1984-2004, and was also a
annual “Many Are One” dinner.
standout student-athlete herself while enrolled at the university. In that position, Robin oversaw the academic, social and personal development of each student-athlete at Seton Hall, and worked on a daily basis with both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Robin recently was appointed Associate VP and the Head of Freshman Studies and Academic Support and Advising Programs at Seton Hall She still works with the basketball teams, however, as she remains an academic consultant and Life Skills facilitator for the student athletes. Cunningham’s work with Seton Hall’s student-athletes has been recognized on a national level as well as within the Seton Hall community. In 1991, Robin was honored with the Outstanding Academic Advisor Award given by the National Association for Academic Advisors (NACADA). Three years later, in 1994, Robin was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the Ernst and Young Law Symposium at Seton Hall Law School. She was recognized again in 1996 when she was given the President’s Award for Outstanding Service to Seton Hall students. Robin was also honored by the Men’s Basketball program in 2002 with their Most Valuable Person award.
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The awards continued to pile up for Robin when in 2005
In addition to her outstanding work off the basketball court, Robin Cunningham made history at Seton Hall with her efforts on the court. She was the first woman to receive an athletic scholarship to Seton Hall, and became the first woman inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984. In 1981, Robin became the first female Pirate to have her number retired after finishing her basketball career with 1,003 points. She also played tennis and softball while enrolled at Seton Hall and finished with a career record of 52-15 in tennis. Outside of her work at Seton Hall, Cunningham has played an important role in assisting Jerry at Team Walker as she acts as the Director of Academics. Robin has been a teacher, mentor and advisor for the children of Team Walker during her time with the organization. Along with Leo Zatta and Jerry Walker, Robin has assisted Team Walker children in getting into the academic summer programs at St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City. She has also participated in Team Walker’s Reading Enrichment Programs and facilitated afternoon and summer tutoring programs.
The James “Pop” Curry Good Guy Award Honoring the Memory of James “Pop” Curry
J
ames Sylvester Curry, a native of Darlington, South The “Pop” Curry Good Guy Award was created in 2006 Carolina, was often called “Pop” by those who knew
and loved him. “Pop” was a concerned, sincere, involved and dedicated individual, who gave his time, efforts, and resources toward the betterment of community living. During his lifetime, “Pop” was an active member of the community, having helped and participated in many community organizations. As head of the Lafayette Center
and it is awarded annually to an individual who meets the following criteria: 1. Gives back to the community 2. Puts others before themselves 3. Cares for the world around them and the future of the children who will have to live in it.
in the Jersey City “Can Do” program, Curry developed a teen center where youth did their homework, socialized and played sports. “Pop” offered help to anyone who needed it. During his impassioned life, he made room in his home for kids in trouble or needing a place to stay. “Pop” could be depended on to refer people in need to the right connections. He was a strong positive influence and guided may people to positive lifestyles.
Award Recipients: 2006 - NJ Governor Richard J. Codey 2007 - George Ring 2008 - Jim & Judy O’Brien 2009 - Kenneth Kunzman 2010 - Robert Fetterly 2011 - Mary Pat Christie 2012 - P.J. Carlesimo 2013 - Bob Ley
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The Leo J. Zatta Extraordinary Service Award
L
eo Zatta has been a guiding force behind the growth The award is presented to an individual who has
and wonderful success of Team Walker.
He has served as the Chairman of the Team Walker Board of Trustees since 2001.
worked tirelessly to help Team Walker. Team Walker, and most importantly, the youth of Jersey City acknowledge and appreciate the award recipient’s outstanding efforts.
It is only fitting that an extraordinary service award be named after Leo.
Award Recipients: 2013 - Robert Sloan
Bryan DeNovellis - Celebrity Master of Cermony
B
ryan, originally from the beautiful state of Connecticut, is a long time friend of Jerry and everyone in the Team Walker family. He is a Seton Hall alumnus class of ’92 and studied communication in television and radio. You might also recognize him from
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his days as a sports anchor for News 12 New Jersey. Now he resides in Old Bridge New Jersey and teaches Television Production at Holmdel High School.
Bob Ley
Recipient of the 2013 James “Pop” Curry Good Guy Award
Bob Ley joined ESPN’s Sportscenter on its third day of production. He has been a valued member of the ESPN family ever since, mainly hosting the popular series Outside the Lines. The show, which began with a monthly slot, has received eight Sports Emmy Awards, and three CableACE awards. Due to its continued success, Outside the Lines now airs six days a week. Ley began his television career during his undergraduate years at Seton Hall University. He was a Sportscaster and Program Director at WSOU at Seton Hall, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. After
Robert Sloan
graduation Ley joined Suburban Cablevision of East Orange, N.J. where he worked for three years as Director of Sports/ Public Affairs. Valedictorian of Bloomfield High School in New Jersey, Ley was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame for his contributions to sports journalism. In addition to his impact on the sports world, Bob Ley has made a great impression on the Team Walker foundation. Ley is currently a dedicated member of the advisory board of the program, which will be soon opening the doors to its newly-built Team Walker Learning Center.
Recipient of the 2013 Leo J. Zatta Extraordinary Service Award
Bob Sloan is the current leader of AT&T’s Public Safety Solution Offer. His segment focuses on both the development and marketing of AT&T’s services and products to support Public Safety agencies. Before leading this division, Bob was the Vice President of ESales & Service at AT&T. He focused on execution and design of electronic based service applications, the AT&T BusinessDirect Portfolio, Premier platform and the ATT.com/business web site. Bob graduated from Curry College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and Education. He went on to obtain his MBA in
Finance from Seton Hall University. Currently, Bob is on two boards for the university, the President’s Communication and the Brand Board, as well as The Board for the Stillman School of Business. Throughout the years, Bob Sloan has been honored with numerous awards, including the Leader in Internet Business, as well as being featured in 1 to 1 Magazine as the “Executive to Watch.” Sloan shows clear commitment in not only his career but in volunteer work. Team Walker values Bob Sloan as a board member who is dedicated to the continued success of the program.
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Congratulations Bob Ley & Bob Sloan Leo J. Zatta, CPA Chief Financial Officer RD Legal Funding, LLC 45 Legion Drive, 2nd Fl. Cresskill, NJ 07626 Tele: 201-568-9007 Ext. 103 Fax: 201-568-9307 lzatta@legalfunding.com www.legalfunding.com
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WE JOIN IN HONORING
Bob Ley & Bob Sloan Anne and Ken Kunzman
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95 Van Dam Corporation supports Team Walker and congratulates Bob Ley & Robert Sloan
95 Van Dam Corporation 300 Communipaw Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07304 16
Bob – Congratulations on your Extraordinary Service Award for your contributions to Team Walker. We’re proud to have you as part of our team. – AT&T Advanced Solutions
We are very grateful, as always, to our excellent staff for once again helping Team Walker with all of our programs. We are also thankful to our Board of Trustees, our donors and supporters, and the organizations we have partnered with this year to bring our variety of programs to Jersey City’s kids.
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Congratulations to Bob Ley & Bob Sloan on Well Deserved Awards! The D’Alessandro Family
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Team Walker is growing and helping more youngsters in Jersey City. We continue to need your support. You can help in many ways including in-kind services and volunteering your services besides making a financial donation. For more information call Jerry Walker at 201-433-1888 or email jerry@teamwalker.org. Thank you!
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Congratulations to the “Team” ••••• Adrian Foley Congrats Bobby! You make us all proud. The Sloan, McGovern, Power and Gergich Families 22
Keep the Dream Alive LeDoux & Company
Best Wishes Bob Ley & Bob Sloan Bob & Wendy Fetterly 23
“In Bob Ley, you are honoring one of my favorites of all time” - David Brofsky Senior Coordinating Producer ESPN
Joseph P. LaSala, Esq. and
McELROY, DEUTSCH, MULVANEY & CARPENTER, LLP proudly support
Team Walker’s 2013 Evening of Dreams and congratulate honorees
Bob Ley and Robert Sloan 1300 Mount Kemble Avnue PO Box 2075 Morristown, NJ 07962-2075 TEL: (973) 993-8100 FAX: (973) 425-0161 WWW.MDMC-LAW.COM New Jersey • New York • Colorado Pennsylvania • Connecticut Massachusetts • Delaware
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Team Walker Thanks the following loyal patrons: John P. Sullivan Robert and Eileen Mulligan Strulowitz & Gargiulo Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Congratulations Bob, on helping make many dreams come true for the kids of Jersey City. Dave & Cathy Ferry
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Good Luck Team Walker and Congratulations Bob Ley & Bob Sloan Joe Hughes Country Club Services 454 Morris Avenue Springfield, NJ 07081 973-376-4352
Paul Gregory, Esq.
Congratulations Team Walker
Gregory Legal Group
The Setonian Foundation
52 Maple Avenue
The Alumni Chapter of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity salutes brother Jerry Walker and Team Walker for assisting at-risk youth in Jersey City.
Morristown, NJ 07960 973-559-5915 • FX 888-567-4984 PGregory@GregoryLegalGroup.com www.GregoryLegalGroup.com
“Give, expecting nothing thereof ...” – PKT Motto 26
In Memory of Team Walker Board Member Jim Fusaro
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Thank you for your support. The Team Walker future is now!
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Congratulations to
Team Walker Bob Ley
&Robert Sloan
Compliments of The Walsh Family