Owensboro Girl Raises Over $5,000 For Non-Profits & The Shot Clock is Still On
At the beginning of summer break, an Owensboro elementary schooler set a lofty goal for herself. You may remember a couple of months ago when Reagan Durham joined us on the show to share her summer plans. She just started 5th grade, and she has already learned how to use her talents to make the world a better place by raising money for some amazing non-profits.
Shots That Count
Her daddy, Clay Durham, shared with me, "The first video we have of her with a basketball is when she was 2. She really started practicing with a goal in mind in the 2nd grade. She decided she wanted to make 100 shots before school every morning and has been consistent with that for the last 2 years." As you can see, she's gotten pretty darn good!
Future UK Wildcat
One of Reagan's favorite quotes is, "Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can do what others can’t!" Her determination is incredible. She says we will be cheering her on one day when she plays basketball for the University of Kentucky and then the WNBA.
A Hard Worker With a Huge Heart
She has always been a hard worker with a huge heart for others. "Several years ago, she made small kits to hand out to anyone we passed who might be homeless. She also seems to be drawn to kids at school who might need a helping hand," Clay said.
Setting Goals & Scoring Goals
Setting goals and scoring goals seem to go hand in hand for this incredible little lady. "Last summer, Reagan made a goal to MAKE 10,000 shots, outside of practice and games, during the summer, and she achieved her goal. She wanted to push harder this year and also make it more meaningful this time by helping others," Clay said. *If the video doesn't play, you can watch it here.
Fifteen Thousand Shots = $15,000
In that post, Reagan said that her previous challenge was fun, but she wants to up the ante a bit. "This year, I want to continue to push myself, but this time I want to also help others. My goal from May 21 until August 11 is to make 15,000 shots. I only count made shots! I want to see if I can raise $1 per shot to benefit these 3 amazing charities."
Play Like a Girl
The first organization Reagan chose to support is Play Like A Girl. She has experienced firsthand the limited options girls have to play basketball in the 2nd-4th grade levels. "She has had to play on boys' travel teams just so she can play year-round."
"Each summer, her Daviess County Feeder girls' team enters the boys league to play because there are not enough girls' teams that play. Getting girls into sports and keeping them in sports is so important for so many reasons." Play Like a Girl seeks to support and empower girls and women to succeed in sports, science, and beyond.
Sparky Rescue of Owensboro
The second charity Reagan is raising money for is Saving Paws Animal Rescue of Kentucky. She is also a competitive equestrian (how cool is that?) and is a huge animal lover. Sparky is doing big things this year, too! Opening Handsome's Cat Cafe in Owensboro, launching a pet supply pantry, and hosting spay and neuter clinics.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
The third beneficiary of Reagan's fundraiser challenge is near and dear to our hearts. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital carries on the mission of its founder, Danny Thomas, so that no child will die in the dawn of life. They make sure no family ever receives a bill for treatment, so they can focus on their child and what matters most.
Owensboro Basketball Player Summer Challenge
No surprise here, Reagan officially met her goal of 15,000 shots made! Way to go, girlfriend!! She was also able to raise $5,392 for charity. Clay said, "Reagan put in shots during early mornings, late nights, scorching heat, and even while on vacation. No excuses, just commitment." At only 10 years old, what an inspiration!
We don't want summer to end, and we want to get her closer to her monetary goal, so she has left her fundraiser open. Anyone who would still like to donate can do so via the QR code below or visit this link. I'd also recommend following Reagan's journey on her Instagram account @hardworkinreagan.
Reagan, thank you for working so hard for some incredible causes! Thank you to everyone who has supported her. We'll be cheering her on in the WNBA one day!
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