One of Amar’e Stoudemire’s proudest accomplishments was the opening of his Reading and Learning Center at the I.G. Homes Boys & Girls Club in Phoenix. Amar’e chose this Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix based on the diversity of the kids and the work that the club was doing with the kids in the community. Not only does the club instill values such as the importance of education, but it also encourages kids to stay active through the youth sports programs they offer.

The colorful room – primarily in Suns purple and orange, of course – will hopefully be a popular spot for youngsters looking for a place to hang out after school and on weekends. STAT was not alone in his appearance at the club. He was accompanied by Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver, as well as the “Voice of the Suns,” Al McCoy.

Amar’e contributed his combined winnings of $29,000 from the 2005 Slam Dunk Contest and his 2005 celebrity guest appearance on “Wheel of Fortune” toward the project. Through his relationships with corporate partners he was able to purchase various items for the center at cost. Home Depot provided the materials and manpower for the project. Other contributing companies included Artistic Sensations, Best Buy, Fluoresco Lighting and Signs, Hertz Furniture and ImageCraft. More than $64,000 total was donated to complete the project, providing the children with a room that would not only be fun, but prove to be a safe learning environment as well.

After the presentation, some kids were given the opportunity of a lifetime when they played a little two-on-two against the Olympian and Sarver. Answers to just how far Stoudemire has come in his quest to return to the hardwood were answered when Sarver dumped it inside to STAT for a two-handed throwdown. The move caused jaws to drop throughout the gymnasium, but while the healthy knees were certainly a breath of fresh air to those curious as to how Stoudemire’s rehab is coming, the All-Star said the day was about something much more special to him than basketball.

“I’m always going to try to be a good role model to kids,” Stoudemire said. “That’s what I’m about, it’s how I was raised. I just want to keep these kids off the streets and inside the books. I’m a big fan of teaching others and I hope the kids will follow.”

That idea is key in Stoudemire’s, “Each One, Teach One” motto. These kids will be reminded of this important message each and every day, as it is also painted atop the walls of the Reading and Learning Center.