●OUR STORY
IT STARTED WITH A NEED.
The Gary Family Foundation was created from a simple belief: every child deserves access to opportunities that help them grow.
After seeing youth sports opportunities become more limited in our community, we knew we had an opportunity to help fill the gap. What started with a desire to give kids more opportunities to play has grown into a bigger vision — using sports, mentorship, education, and community support to positively impact young people and their families.
Our goal is bigger than developing better athletes. We want to help develop confident, disciplined, healthy young people who believe in what’s possible for their future.
Founder’s Message
FROM THE FOUNDER
Basketball has played a major role in my life. Growing up in Elkhart, I was fortunate to have opportunities through sports that helped shape who I am today. Basketball took me from Concord High School to Division I basketball at Western Michigan University and eventually overseas, where I played professionally in Australia.
After my playing career, I returned home with a desire to give back. I began training athletes and eventually opened my own gym, which gave me the opportunity to work with young people throughout our community.
Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how much sports can impact a child beyond wins and losses. It can build confidence, discipline, relationships, and a sense of belonging. I’ve also seen what happens when those opportunities simply aren’t available.
The Gary Family Foundation was created to help change that.
Our vision is to make sure more young people in Elkhart and surrounding communities have access to sports, mentorship, education, and experiences that can positively shape their future—regardless of their circumstances.
— Shawntes Gary
Founder & President