Embassy of Hope Foundation
P.O. Box 9596
Daytona Beach, FL, 32120
The Embassy of Hope is a non-profit foundation established in 1998 by NBA basketball star, Vince Carter of the Orlando Magic, to help address the needs of children and their parents. Embassy of Hope is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The Foundations’ slogan, “Believing in Your Dreams,” represents Vince’s lifelong commitment to perseverance and achievement—qualities that have enabled him to excel as an athlete and as a person committed to helping those less fortunate.
A WINNING ATTITUDE
The values embodied in a winning attitude are important to Vince, and he wants to share them with others. Whether it’s on the court as a colorful player, in the classroom as a speaker or one-on-one as a mentor, Vince continues to encourage children to work hard so that they, too, may have a chance to experience the same joy of accomplishment and success that he has—both on and off the court.
Since its inception, the Embassy of Hope has touched the lives of countless children in the United States and Canada. Using money raised through the Foundation’s annual “Vince Carter Summer Jam”, the Embassy of Hope has made a difference for children throughout Florida, New Jersey, Toronto, and elsewhere through a number of activities, including:
*Distributing food during the Christmas holiday to needy families identified through the public schools and various social service agencies;
*Sponsoring a “Believing in Christmas” Party for children from economically disadvantaged homes;
*Donating funds to the Wings of Hope Foundation for abused, neglected and abandoned children in Central Florida;
*Donating funds to the Kiwanis Club of Daytona Beach for a “first day of school outfit” for underprivileged school children;
*Donating learning materials so that each student in a rural, agricultural community would receive a take-home canvas bag for study and remediation;
*Funding a school radio station that would reach into the homes of students in hopes of increasing parent involvement and to communicate parenting skills and social services available;
*Donating funds to the Sickle Cell Foundation for Camp Jumoke;
*Donating funds to About Face International to help to educate young people and adults about the acceptance of those with differences;
*Donating funds to the Children’s Aid Foundation in Toronto for “Believing in Your Dreams” scholarships;
*Awarding “Believing in Your Dreams” scholarships in the Daytona Beach, Florida area;
*Donating funds to Halifax Medical Center Foundation to assist children and women as well as the Speediatrics unit that specializes in care for children;
*Donating the Vince Carter Embassy of Hope basketball court for the disadvantaged area of Dixon Park in Toronto;
*Donating to The KiD ZONE for underprivileged children to attend a one-week overnight camp in Toronto;
*Donating to the Dixie-Bloor Neighbourhood Centre, Toronto’s lowest-income area, to assist with their Christmas outreach;
*Donating to Halifax Urban Ministries in the Daytona Beach area to support those individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet;
*Donating to the Children’s Home Society East Coastal Division to support children and families in need;
*Donating to Great Kids Explorer Club, Inc. for “Bridges to Success” education project, an after school program for at-risk youth;
*Donating funds to the Volusia County Schools to support the AVID Program for tutoring in the middle and high schools;
*Donating funds to the Jewish Federation of Volusia/Flagler Counties to help provide school supplied book bags to elementary children.
*A complete list is available by request at embassy1@bellsouth.net or by writing the Embassy of Hope office.
A MILESTONE EACH YEAR
Vince was among the top five draft picks in the 1998 NBA draft and joined the Toronto Raptors where he distinguished himself in his rookie season as an explosive player with a powerful dunk and colorful on-court play. He was selected 1999 NBA “Rookie of the Year,” garnering 113 of 118 possible votes. He was also named Sportsman of the Year for NBA’s Central Division.
In 2000, Carter distinguished himself as the NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner when he had the spectators on their feet in wild anticipation of what his next spectacular move would be. His “flying high act” placed him far above the others as a winner. He was the leading vote getter for placement on the NBA All-Star Team, a remarkable feat for a second year player.
Also in 2000, Carter proudly represented the United States on the Olympic Basketball Team. He wowed the crowds in Hawaii, Japan, and Australia. Now he is one of the proud United States gold medal winners.
In addition, Vince led the Toronto Raptors to three playoff berths and the New Jersey Nets to three, while garnering impressive individual accolades. He has been selected as an NBA All-Star for eight consecutive years, leading all vote getters for four of those years. The fans chose Vince as a starter in six of the eight years. In the summer of 2003, Vince proudly accepted the responsibility to once again represent the United States on the Olympic qualifying basketball team in Puerto Rico.
In 2006 and 2007, Vince was named the Continental Work Hard Fly Right Player of the Year. Also, in 2007, Vince was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding representation of Florida while attending Mainland High School in Daytona Beach.
Vince’s most significant accomplishment culminated in May 2001, when he accepted his diploma from the University of North Carolina for completing his degree in African-American studies.
As a part of Vince’s advocacy of children in the world of sports, he donated 2.5 million dollars to his high school to enhance the school’s gymnasium. Vince continually signs on to promote children’s causes through several organizations including the Children’s Home Society, the Salvation Army, the Wings of Hope Foundation, numerous local schools and other groups.
DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE
Beginning in 2001, two $5000 “Believing in Your Dreams” scholarships have been awarded each year to a Volusia County Schools’ male and female high school senior who have maintained a 3.0 GPA and have displayed model character and involvement in extra curricular activities. The intent of these scholarships is to assist a boy and a girl to attend a post secondary college or university.
In 2004, the Embassy of Hope Foundation, on the recommendation of Vince and his mother, Michelle, annually award the Annie B. Westbrook Memorial Scholarship to a deserving high school senior in Volusia County interested in the field of nursing. This scholarship is in memory of Vince’s great grandmother and Michelle’s grandmother who helped instill in them the importance of an education.
In 2007, Vince and his mother, Michelle Carter-Scott, donated $1.6 million to the Stewart-Marchman Foundation for a new 100-bed substance abuse treatment facility in Flagler County, Florida. The facility will be called “The Vince Carter Sanctuary” and will include a multipurpose building named in honor of Michelle Carter-Scott.
In 2008, the Embassy of Hope Foundation awarded the Vince Carter Challenge Scholarship. This scholarship paid full tuition, books, and fees for two years to a Mainland High School, Vince’s alma mater, graduate to attend Daytona State College, Florida. This scholarship was the result of Vince’s challenge to every Mainland graduate to give $50 to help a boy or girl get a post secondary education at his hometown’s former community college
REACHING FULL POTENTIAL
Due to Vince’s philanthropic endeavors and commitment to children and families, the Volusia County school district named the athletic center in the new Mainland High School the Vince Carter Athletic Center. In 2007 Governor Charlie Crist recognized Vince as a Points of Light recipient because of his continuing philanthropy. Through the Embassy of Hope Foundation, Vince has established the framework for others to join him in helping children reach their full potential. “When my family and I decided to establish the Foundation, we realized we could make a difference by encouraging young people from all walks of life to believe in their dreams,” Vince said. “But we knew we could not do it alone. Just as my success was not reached in isolation, the success of other young people needs the support of many. As I work to enhance the lives of others, I ask you to join me in these worthwhile endeavors.”
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