As any of you who follow my blog closely realize, I’m a guy who involves myself with quite a few different programs, especially those that are geared towards helping the youth. Be it education, sports, career opportunities,and so forth, but one of my latest interests is in visiting and working with the children at Bright Connections Orphanage in Sanya, China.
Sanya, is a beautiful resort city on the southernmost tip of China on the Hainan Islands. I had a chance to visit the city recently as I am working with the MGM Grand resorts in mainland China. They have a wonderful spectacular resort property on the Hainan Islands as well. This is China as you would never picture it, with lush green grass and palm trees blanketing the surrounding hillsides, leading all the way down to the sea. Clear blue skies and clear blue water! It was just gorgeous.
The MGM Grand invited me to go along with them to visit an orphanage in which they support on a regular basis by donating money, and also food items, so I gladly tagged along with them. I tell you, it was one of the most touching visits (and I visit plenty of hospitals, senior citizen assisted-living homes, etc.) that I have ever experienced. The children were so wonderful, and the facility, which houses them, along with the very professional staff that cares for them, were just top-notch.
Currently, there are about 35 children who live on the premises round-the-clock, cared for by a staff of about 10 people. Their plans are to expand their facility to be able to handle upwards to 100 children in the next couple of years.
After the visit, I made a vow to both the MGM Grand and Bright Connections, that I would partner with them on many of the basketball related opportunities that we do in China, and actually donate some of the proceeds to their efforts.
In this crazy world that we live in, it’s nice to know that “children are children, and people are people… All around the world.”
I thought I’d share this touching experience with you and that you’d enjoy some of the photos as well.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
Thank you James, for caring and posting your experience at “The Bright Connection”. You are very appreciated…..just what this world needs…more love !
Sincerely, John and Maggie, Co-Founders, “The Bright Connection”
Reblogged this on Standing Above The Crowd's Blog and commented:
I thought I’d share this wonderful experience with you that I recently had at a children’s orphanage in China.
During this celebratory time of the year with the holidays and the New Year upon us, let’s be sure to remember those who are often forgotten among us.
Share the love for a wonderful and Happy New Year.
With Love, from James
James pls contact me on WeChat aquadefresco
Why is the orphanage Bright Connections being asked to move from their present location (12/2019)? Do you still support them? They do not have the funds to move. Can you help them?