2004: Break! Celebrity Pool Tournament
June 24, 2008
September 14, 2004 – TV star Free, co-host of Black Entertainment
Television’s (BET) top-rated 106 & Park, hosted the 2nd Annual
Break! Celebrity Pool Tournament at Slate Restaurant Bar &
Billiards in New York City to benefit the Free4Life Foundation and its
programs. Jalen joined a who’s who list of celebrities and sports stars
including Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Alonzo
Mourning, Lil Kim, Antoine Walker (Atlanta Hawks), Steve Francis
(Orlando Magic), Amerie, Duane Martin ("All of Us"), comedian Rickey
Smiley, BET Chairman Bob Johnson and rap impresario Russell Simmons as
they showcased their billiard skills. Billiard’s Champion "The Black
Widow" Jeanette Lee was also on hand to share shooting tips and show
the form that has made her one of the world’s top-ranking pool
champions.
Established by Free in 2002, the Free4Life Foundation’s mission is to
create opportunities that support, encourage and strengthen the
development of young people in Boston’s inner city neighborhoods. The
critical focus areas of the foundation are Financial Literacy and
providing access to Creative Arts programming. Free hopes Break! 2004
will continue its reign as one of New York’s premiere charity events.
Says Free, "Last year’s event was so successful and fun, we just knew
we had to do it again! I’ve been though a lot in my life and I always
knew if I had the opportunity, I would make sure I created a foundation
that would benefit and encourage young people. The Free4Life Foundation
is making inroads in that area and I’m so thankful for my friends and
the many corporate sponsors who have put their money where their mouths
are and supported these programs. Although the programs are currently
just in Boston, our plan is to one day launch these programs
nationwide."
