ALLENTOWN, Pa. — More than a dozen former professional athletes are set to headline The Neighborhood Center’s launch party for its summer programming.
The Allentown nonprofit is partnering with the Andre Reed Foundation to hold an event 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at 344 N. 7th St.
Star guests include Allentown native and NFL great Andre Reed, three-time NFL Pro Bowler Larry Centers, former Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard and former Steelers receiver Ernie Mills, as well as NBA vets Paul Pressey and Steffond Johnson.
And Batch Micro Creamery will be serving up ice cream, the nonprofit said in a news release.
“The services that they offer to the children of Allentown, particularly in the Jordan Heights community, [are] necessary and worthwhile."Mark Jaindl, chief executive officer of American Bank
The Neighborhood Center last year announced plans to cut one day of programming each week amid funding concerns. But an outpouring of donations let the nonprofit restore its full slate of programs.
Mark Jaindl, the chairman and chief executive officer of American Bank, also pledged his company’s support in 2024.
“The services that they offer to the children of Allentown, particularly in the Jordan Heights community, [are] necessary and worthwhile," Jaindl said. Jaindl also serves as president of Jaindl Properties, a major developer in the Lehigh Valley.
The Neighborhood Center serves about 150 kids each year. More than a dozen kids daily are at the center, which offers an early learner program for 4-year-olds and afterschool programs for elementary students and teens.
Editor's Note: A prior version of this article included the address for The Neighborhood Center's former location. The nonprofit now operates out of the Salvation Army building at 344 N. 7th St.
