Mike Cristaldi Chief Communications Officer | LinkedIn
Mike Cristaldi Chief Communications Officer | LinkedIn
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation is set to reveal the renovated gymnasium at Ranson Middle School on October 8. This event marks the first activation of the Chairman’s Legacy Fund, which was created in 2023 by the Hornets Sports & Entertainment Ownership Group. The fund aims to strengthen the Charlotte community through annual commitments, with its inaugural focus on upgrading gymnasiums in nine local schools to provide safe and inclusive spaces for fostering basketball culture among students.
Hornets Sports & Entertainment Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin expressed their dedication to the foundation's mission: “Our entire ownership group is dedicated to supporting the Charlotte Hornets Foundation’s mission to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the community, and the Chairman’s Legacy Fund is one way to show our commitment each year.” They emphasized that this initiative is about more than just basketball; it seeks to instill values like teamwork, discipline, commitment, and leadership.
The renovation project involved $500,000 worth of improvements during the summer break at nine schools: Julius L. Chambers High School, Devonshire Elementary School, Hopewell High School, Lebanon Elementary School, Providence High School, Ranson Middle School, Reid Park Academy, Sedgefield Middle School, and Southwest Middle School. Specific upgrades at Ranson Middle School included court refinishing and installation of new backboards and wall pads.
CMS Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill acknowledged the impact of these efforts: "We very much appreciate the support of the Charlotte Hornets Foundation, especially the work they’re doing in schools across our district as part of their inaugural Chairman’s Legacy Fund initiative,” adding that students will benefit from these improved facilities for years.
Architecture firm Perkins&Will collaborated with construction firms Turner Construction and D.A. Everett on this project as part of their involvement in the Re!magine Spectrum Center arena renovation.
Alerts Sign-up