It won’t be wrong to say that Derek Jeter’s favorite number is No. 2. He famously wore the number during his time on the New York Yankees team. But it also has a deeper meaning for Derek—it represents giving second chances. Captain Clutch believes young people deserve a chance to rewrite their paths and so he founded the Turn 2 Foundation in 1996. The foundation’s goals are to foster leadership, grow academically, move towards healthy lifestyles, and bring positive behavior change. It’s more than just another charitable initiative by a famous personality–it’s a way to bring a change in the lives of the youth.

This year, yet again for the 21st year in a row, Captain Clutch is hosting the Derek Jeter Invitational at the Baha Mar’s Royal Blue Golf Course in the Bahamas. The charity event will feature some of the biggest names who are set to not just have a terrific time but also support the foundation and its noble cause. Jeter always has plenty of things on his plate, but he never forgets his roots. As a former Kalamazoo native, Turn 2 runs programs in his hometown. Hence, whatever charity comes through will be of huge help to the natives there.

The New York Yankee’s former captain talked about the purpose of the event, “As young people immerse themselves in the Turn 2′s programs, they not only recognize their ability to achieve their goals, but they also discover they hold the power to make a difference in their local communities and beyond.” Jeter further added to the Press release, “This event is about so much more than a golf tournament– it plays a pivotal role in enabling The Turn 2 Foundation to drive meaningful change every day. We’re very proud to partner with Baha Mar once again and we are so grateful to our friends and supporters for joining us. ” 

The charity event will run from September 19-12, and it’s exactly almost a year after Derek Jeter redid the baseball and softball stadium of his alma mater. It was a $5 million project made possible, through the support of his foundation, along with the Cal Ripken Jr.’s Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. This time’s event will be a star-studded one and some of the biggest names from the sports and entertainment field will rally behind the former Yankee. 

CC Sabathia, Johnny Damon, Chris Tucker, Flo Rida, Chris Tucker, and many more celebrities will be making it to the event. Over three days, attendees will enjoy golf followed by a competitive shootout, and end the event with a gala. Flo Rida will be performing live during the gala too. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Turn 2 Foundation. As part of the partnership with Baha Mar, Jeter’s Foundation will donate $50,000 to the Baha Mar Resort Foundation to support local causes. 

Derek Jeter’s helping hand keeping the Turn 2 foundation thriving

Derek Jeter may have hung his cleats way back, but retirement from work isn’t so much on his cards. He has transitioned into the role of a businessman and has delved into many businesses, from having a team to now running a trader card business. Hence he has his hands full, but it’s not always possible for him to be all hands on deck with the Turn 2 foundation. Lucky for him, he has someone close to Turn 2 (do we get the pun? )! 

The foundation from its inception has given back more than $45 million to funding programs and organizations with missions. And the heart of the success of the foundation is Sharlee Jeter—Derek Jeter’s beloved sister. She has been the heart, soul, and president of the company since 2010 and has worked day in and out to make the impact that they do. But she too has a strong support system, which includes Simona Betton, who oversees programs as the Director; Hannah Perez, the Operations Manager; Dr. Harold Swift, who leads the Kalamazoo Jeter’s Leaders Program; and Katie Renn, the Executive Assistant to the President.

Now, the campaign runs in places that are close to the New York Yankee’s ace from New York to Tampa and, of course, West Michigan. Currently, the foundation runs three programs -the Derek Jeter Center in Tampa, Jeter’s Leadership program in New York and West Michigan, and the Turn 2 US baseball clinic in Tampa. While, right now, the regions are central to the foundation, there are talks about expanding further. The charity event, as Derek Jeter mentioned, is much more than just a golfing event. It helps breathe new life into people and turn their lives into new meaningful paths.

What do you think about Jeter’s Turn 2 venture? Let us know in the comments.