About The Foundation
The National Hispanic Basketball Classic was founded in 1980. Since then, we have been sponsoring an annual men’s basketball tournament and over the years, we have added a “Legend’s” division for players over the age of 40 and a high school division for those youth still attending high school. The basketball tournament has a total of 64 teams participating in the tournament. A few years ago, we added an annual golf tournament to our events.
We are now The Tommy Nuñez Scholarship and Youth Activities Foundation. The foundation has been sponsoring and funding youth events and scholarships for many years. We have many sponsors and friends that have generously contributed over the years. Because of their contributions, the foundation has been providing thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. We have also funded economically disadvantaged youth in little leagues, field trips, football leagues and other academic activities.
Letter from the Director, Tommy Nunez Sr.
The National Hispanic Basketball Classic, Inc.’s Annual basketball tournament is played on Labor Day weekend. The goal of the tournament continues to be to raise money to help defray expenses for academic and athletic activities for economically disadvantaged and high-risk youth. It has also served to bring together some of the finest Hispanic athletes from around the United States and Mexico. The tournament consists of three divisions that include a 32-team men’s division, a 12-team high school division and a 16 team “Legends” division for players 40 or older. Student athletes with high school eligibility will participate in the high school division. Our goal for this division is to expose these Hispanic youth to college coaches and administrators in hopes of gaining future college scholarships for some of the participants.
As the founder and sponsor of the National Hispanic Basketball Classic, I am personally involved in the fight to lower the drop-out rate and the many social problems our youth face through the “Academics through Athletics” campaign. My commitment and dedication in serving the economically disadvantaged stems from the fact that I am a very proud product of the “barrio”.
All proceeds from this annual fundraiser are intended for the Tommy Nuñez Foundation’s objectives of educating youth about the dangers and consequences of using drugs and dropping out of school. We will continue to educate the youth through basketball clinics and camps for players and officials, motivational presentations, and support of youth academic and athletic activities. In addition, twenty students will be awarded $500 for college or vocational school scholarships for the upcoming school year.
I would greatly appreciate any assistance you could offer towards this year’s tournament. Should you consider making a contribution, please address it to: Tommy Nuñez Foundation
942 N. Hazelton Court
Chandler, AZ 85226
Tax Identification Number: 86-0557854
If you need any additional information or I may be of any service to you, please contact me directly at (480) 389-8342.
Sincerely,
Tommy Nuñez, Director
The Tommy Nuñez Foundation
Hi Tommy,
Thanks for having a chat with me at the Tournament this past weekend. I have talked to my wife about what my thoughts were on the idea of pursuing (brainstorming) what it would take to get a junior high tournament together that would somehow tie into your tournament (time spent away from the nest for a neccesary cause is time not spent enough with the Mrs. I didn’t exactly get a resounding endorsement.
I have lots on my plate as most everyone in life does (coaching football among others during the time of your tourney) but I think this is important enough to look into. I have been coaching youth and/or high school sports since 1979. It’s always been a passion of mine and it’s heartbreaking when I don’t get the neccesary support from home. I will still put some feelers out there (possible sites, officials, sponsors, volunteers, etc.) and see what sticks. I will get back to you before the New Year.
Thanks so much for your words of advice Tommy. Godspeed my brother… Chris Ledesma 623-692-5159