Sugar Mels Sweetshot Basketball Camp Drive

Dear Camp Supporter:

My name is Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin, Central Michigan University’s and Creston High School’s all-time leading scorer and Hall of Famer. I was also selected as the “best basketball player” ever to come out of the Grand Rapids Michigan area and selected as one of the “top 10” basketball players in the state of Michigan.

During my basketball career, the support I have received from the Grand Rapids area has been phenomenal. The Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin All-Star Basketball Camps allow me to give back to the community that is near and dear to my heart. My basketball camps provide a constructive, enriching, and fun experience for the youth in our city.

The Melvin “Sugar” McLaughlin All-Star Basketball camp for boys and girls, grades 5th- 12th will be held the 1st week in August at East Kentwood High School. The camps are available to the youth of this community, but today’s economic climate makes it difficult for some students and their families to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. The camp has helped more than 7000 youths over the years.

We are asking generous donors like you, for monetary contributions to continue this legacy of enriching the lives of the youth. Your support will allow for the sustained success of our camps this summer by providing scholarships for students who wish to attend.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we were unable to provide the camps to the community for the last 2 years.

The All-Star Basketball Camps will help our youth improve their athletic skills and self-confidence as well as applying the five special D’s to all aspects of their life: Discipline, Dedication, Desire, Determination and Decision making. Making the basketball camp accessible to as many young people as possible will ensure their success.