We created a culture, education without barriers. Changing the Game. Join Us!
TEAM New England (TNE), a non-profit organization that provides an elite academic and athletic experience to inner-city youth, is hosting an annual event — Game Changers.
Game Changers returns as Boston's most anticipated event this fall. TNE transforms lives by utilizing the power and passion of sports as a vehicle to spark success guided by consistent mentorship and enrichment programming. Game Changers will feature this dynamic duo as Hosts: former TV and Radio Sports personality Chris Collins and Celtics in-arena host Melisa Valdez, along with live entertainment. Honoring Greg Kristof, Co-Founder of Zero Gravity Basketball and advocate for the "All-Academic" student athlete, with the Game Changers Award, and providing eight TNE participants with scholarships.
The evening will begin with a cocktail reception featuring a dine-around dinner and Josh Wines and an immersive journey with TEAM New England. A program with a live auction and awards presentation, then entertainment featuring a live band and dancing. More than 300 guests, including corporate sponsors, business owners, philanthropists, influencers, and community leaders, are expected to attend.
The event promises to be a passionate night of stories and tributes with star power and immersive entertainment that you'll never forget. It’s Game Time, Don’t Miss It!!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13
COCKTAIL RECEPTION, PROGRAM, LIVE AUCTION, AND AFTER PARTY
Big Night Live, Boston
6:30 PM - 11 PM
Questions? Contact our event office, AJ Events at 617-267-2244 or email AJ Williams at aj@ajwevents.com
OUR HOSTS
Meet Melisa Valdez, the in-arena host for Celtics games who fires up the fans. Melisa is one of the first people fans see on the Jumbotron as they file into their seats at TD Garden. Valdez can be seen all over the parquet floor, interviewing players, running halftime contests, and pumping up the crowd throughout the game. She will bring this experience to Game Changers.
Meet Chris Collins. Chris is a versatile entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in television, radio, digital media, and business. He made a name for himself in the Boston sports scene in 1998, securing exclusive live interviews and breaking high-profile stories or news stations across the country.
Beyond media and sports, Chris has played a significant role in raising millions for philanthropic organizations like the American Red Cross, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Jimmy Fund.
Adding to his impressive repertoire, Chris is now Senior Partner and Financial Advisor with Tower Hill Financial Group.
Our Game Changers!
Honoree
Greg Kristof
We will honor Greg Kristof with the Game Changers Award and provide eight TNE youth participants with scholarships.
Greg is a growth-oriented executive with a passion for scaling businesses and a career-long record of leading high-performance sales teams. He’s focused on growing the 3STEP reach and impact through strategic partnerships. 3STEP Sports is the most impactful youth sport ecosystem in the nation, designed to give every athlete, parent, and coach involved the premier sport experience. 3STEP spans 40+ states and currently serves more than 3.2 million athletes across eight sports through national events, club programs, elite showcases, and more.
Game Changers Chair
Michael Roper
President
Suburban Home Health Care Services Group
The Committee
Dwayne Stallings
Jamey and Jenn Mock
Matt and Nina Devlin
Ron Cohen
Javier and Arpa Garay
Jaci and Ryan Quinn
Kate Thompson
Stephanie Seriano
Kim Homs
Matt and Christina Phipps
Gerald Loftin
About TEAM New England
2,800 youth impacted by basketball and enrichment programming
100% of graduating seniors attend college
475 youth engage in service learning projects
10.4M secured in private school and college scholarships
36 Division I and II athletes since 2017
65 students accepted into private and prep schools since 2017
Founded in 2016, TEAM New England provides academic, mentorship, athletic, and service-learning programs to positively impact the development of youth in marginalized communities in New England.
Serving over 1,000 youth annually, our mission is to change the generational trajectory of underserved youth both domestically and globally by providing esteemed educational and athletic opportunities.
Our vision is to foster equity, inclusion, and accessibility for inner-city youth by guaranteeing access to life-changing experiences and invaluable mentorship through athletics and academics.
Here are some of our highlights.
—Provide youth with free, year-round tutoring services
—Connect youth with external academic opportunities, career development, and life skill workshops
—Connect youth to preparatory and charter schools
—We provide mentoring with training workshops combined with athletic activities and competitive training
—Engage youth in service projects including the annual Thanksgiving turkey drive, where over 500+ families received meals and donated items this past year
TNE STATS
GAME CHANGERS
Changing the generational trajectory of inner city kids through books and ball
—JOIN US!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS
Ron Cohen &
Rachel Steiner
GOLD SPONSORS
David &
Honoria Ayles
SILVER SPONSORS
Larry & Stephanie Kahn
Matthew &
Nina Devlin
Lauren &
Chris Guthrie
BRONZE SPONSORS
Jen & Jamey Mock
Dwayne Stallings
Dave &
Heidi Crean
Femi &
Nicole Obi
Michael &
Linda Roper
FRIEND SPONSOR
Contact us.
Have questions about Tickets, Sponsor Opportunities, or the overall experience? Contact our event office, AJ Events. We will be happy to answer any of your questions or fill out the form and we will respond within 24 hours.
AJ Events / 617-267-2244
Event Team
AJ Williams, Event Producer, Sponsorships
aj@ajwevents.com
Carla Beaudoin, Guest and Sponsor Relations
carla@ajwevents.com
Questions about Team New England?
Contact us at 617-855-8789
Greg Hill and Isaiah Davis, Co-Founders
