In the Spotlight: Elliot Perry
Few names are as synonymous with Memphis as Elliot Perry’s. After all, he took his exceptional basketball talent from Treadwell High School to The University of Memphis (then Memphis State), and on to a ten-year career in the NBA.
Likewise, few individuals who have achieved such success return to their hometown, consider what made them successful and dedicate their lives to creating opportunities for young people. Elliot has taken his experiences on and off the court and the lessons from mentors throughout his life to bring hope to youth across Memphis.
Elliot walks the talk. Besides serving as chief spokesperson for the Grizzlies Foundation’s TEAM UP youth mentoring initiative and recruiting individuals and groups to participate in the TEAM UP endeavor, Elliot is a mentor himself. He has guided two young men through high school, college and beyond, and he’s eager to help more young men and women. In addition, he visits dozens of youth groups and schools each year, willing to speak, even if only two kids are there.
Elliot has countless stories to share, and every one of them brings listeners to the edge of their seats. Among those he tells relates to an exercise he does with kids that demonstrates how hard the kids work, practice and do everything possible to make the basketball team.
What this story and others illustrate is how hard we work, how many resources we expend and how we “exhaust all our options” to pursue our interests.
It’s time to take that same level of dedication, earnest effort and drive to helping kids in Memphis. Mentoring has been proven, time and time again, to give kids the chance they need to develop competency and character.
We thank Elliot for his leadership, compassion and mentorship. And we ask you to join Elliot and thousands of others, in our team. Now’s your time. TEAM UP with the Grizzlies Foundation.
Learn how you can invite Elliot Perry and others to speak at your next meeting or gathering!