This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Introducing 'Team 212:' Teaching Kids Leadership and Responsibility Through Sports

The kick-off fundraiser will take place May 18 at Half Moon Rrestaurant.

At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. Just one extra degree can make all the difference. Herein lies the message of Dobbs Ferry's newly formed nonprofit "Team 212:" A small amount of extra effort can have a huge impact on results. 

The fusion of sports-based youth development activities and programs emphasizing leadership, volunteerism and academic excellence, Team 212 is an initiative launched by Dobbs Ferry native Fred Quartlebaum, fondly known in the Rivertowns as “Coach Q.” 

The program is open to boys and girls aged 8 through 18 in the Rivertowns and beyond.  A “Tip-Off Party and Fundraiser” in celebration of the launch is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Restaurant in Dobbs Ferry.

Find out what's happening in Rivertownswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Nothing develops or displays your character better than your desire to put others first,” said Coach Q.  “Team 212 gives us the opportunity to engage, educate, energize and elevate our youth and community for the greater good,” he added.

The inaugural Team 212 program centers around basketball. While the fundamentals of playing basketball might entice children to participate in the program, it’s the leadership and life skills they learn along the Team 212 journey that Quartlebaum hopes will leave the longest-lasting footprint on his kids' development.

Find out what's happening in Rivertownswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Most kids don’t beg their parents to sign them up for leadership, community service and character development programs so sports is a great avenue to start the foundation for future programs,” said Christy Quartlebaum, Co-Owner of 212 Hoops and member of the Team 212 Board of Directors.  “The children on our basketball teams come through the door for a basketball education and learn valuable life lessons that will transcend their athletic experiences."

Other Team 212 programs to launch this summer include:

  • Executive Mentors – connecting middle and high school students with executives for a day at their office to gather insight on paths to leadership positions.
  • Team 212 Tutors – peer-to-peer tutoring with 8th through 12th grade students.
  • Suited for Success – bi-annual clothing exchange where you ‘bring one, take one’ in order for students to prepare for internships and interviews. 

There are currently 27 kids involved with Team 212 and they meet on average three times a week.   “Our goal is to provide opportunities for children regardless of ability to pay.  The majority of the leadership programs will be free to participants as these programs will be funded by community support and volunteers,” Christy Quartlebaum said.

In addition to his work with Team 212, Coach Q is an Associate Director of the PACT Program at Mercy College as well as owner of 212 Hoops (www.212hoopsacademy.com). 

For more information on Team 212, visit www.team212.org.  For more information on attending the fundraiser, donating an item for the evening’s silent auction, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lisa Ferrara at lisa@team212.org or 917-370-6383.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?