2020 Angels of the Hardwood

Another year, another successful Angels of the Hardwood event from Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement.

Angels of the Hardwood is an event that highlights the giving season, presenting Yanders Law athletes with an opportunity to give back to their community. In previous years, the only challenge has been wanting to do even more for the children than we were already doing. As you may expect in 2020, additional challenges faced the event.

Luckily for The Basketball Movement and Yanders Law (and the kids), Robert Yanders guided the ship as though the obstacles were not even there, masking up and delivering a unique and fulfilling experience.

“This was one of the hardest years our country has had in a long time,” Yanders says. “The focus should be on the future, the children. We were able to highlight that today.”

The Boys and girls Club hosted the event this year. Masks were worn and drive-up options were utilized for many families to make sure Christmas came for kids that may not have had it otherwise.

Rob points out that it took a lot to get the event done, but thanks to sponsors and the Boys and Girls Club, the right people were in place to make it happen. “Thank you to the Boys and Girls Club,” Yanders says. “They share our view that this is bigger than us. The kids were all very happy.”

Shoes, apparel, basketballs, and presents were handed out throughout the event and the smiles did not stop for the children receiving them OR the Yanders Law family doing the giving. Yanders always speaks on finding yourself through the service of others. He believes that happened for many #LawNation hoopers.

“I am super proud of our players,” Yanders says. “They understand the importance of loving others more than themselves and that shined through.”

Yanders continues by saying he is already excited for next year and the next opportunity to bring more smiles to the community - especially when it comes to children. Thank you as always to our sponsors, athletes and their families, and the Boys and Girls Club for another successful event. See you next year!

Angels of the Hardwood from Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement

Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement are teaming up again to bring Angels of the Hardwood to the local community.

This year will mark the third annual Angels of the Hardwood event put on by the Yanders Law Basketball program and its players. Yanders Law will be partnering with the five local Boys & Girls Clubs around Springfield and the surrounding area. The goal of this absolutely free event is to make a difference in the lives of children and let them know that people care.

During the Angels of the Hardwood event, over 100 pairs of Nike shoes will be given to those in need as well as Nike shirts, basketballs, Christmas gifts, coats, and more. This year, the entire event will take place at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield - Stalnaker Unit 1410 N Fremont Ave Boys & Girls Club.

Angels of the Hardwood is an idea by Rob Yanders, born out of a desire to give back to the community using the platform of basketball as a vehicle to assist in his efforts. Rob has explained that our players and coaches should understand the privilege of playing the game of basketball, the game we love. This privilege can be utilized as a platform to reach others - either through inspiration or acts of service. Angels of the Hardwood helps create the next generation of leaders by teaching our players to have compassion, character, and love for everyone. The most important lesson is to be valuable to others and give help to the less fortunate.

“There is no greater way to find yourself than through service for others. Angels of the Hardwood will show the boys and girls of Yanders Law the importance of selflessness and teach them about character, humility, and integrity.”

— Rob Yanders

The players involved in this free program must understand that the giving season does not come about through a red-suited man in a sleigh. Behind all of that are good, real people, working hard to be able to provide for their family and friends. There is a joy to be found in giving, and the Yanders Law program wants players to get to experience that.

Due to COVID-19 this year, we will be taking extreme caution with this event. We will be having a drive-by and pick-up situation with the possibility of drop-offs to homes of families. We take COVID-19 very seriously, but we must continue serving others the best way possible.

“Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

Yanders Law Owner, Rob Yanders reflected back on his time growing up in Milwaukee and what programs like the Boys & Girls Club meant to him and his family. “Growing up, I remember how much I looked forward to after-school programs at Salvation Army, YMCA, and Boys and Girls Club. Basketball meant so much because it was an escape. It could take your mind off a missed meal or troubles at home. It was a chance to make friends and an opportunity to be a part of something. That’s what motivates me to give back.”

The Yanders Law Basketball program is excited to continue this opportunity to be a teammate for their community. Sunday, December 20th, 2020 will be the third Angels of the Hardwood event and we doubt it will be the last.

Follow Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement wherever possible to learn more about initiatives like this as well as some of the best basketball training and development available in the Midwest.

Angels of the Hardwood at The Basketball Movement

Yanders Law’s second annual Angels of the Hardwood event is underway right here at The Basketball Movement!

Our favorite day of the year, the Angels of the Hardwood event has been marked on the calendar for Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement for a long time. The event is finally starting with dozens of kids coming through the doors of The Basketball Movement facility.

Multiple Yanders Law players are in attendance, helping kids find the right size of brand new Nike shoes, getting shirts for everyone, and directing them to get professional photos were taken, a new Nike Elite basketball, and even courtside haircuts courtesy of our friends at CUT N EDGE barbershop.

In their new Nike Elite socks, shoes, and shirts, they will start doing simple basketball drills soon as Yanders Law coaches and The Basketball Movement trainers take them through what they do best. The lighthearted nature of the basketball portion will be a bit less intense than we usually see around here, but the inclusion and fun make it many times sweeter during the season of giving.

The gym is currently filled with the sounds of balls bouncing and kids laughing, and we couldn’t be more excited to keep the energy going!

In addition to the gear, all athletes will receive presents, goody bags filled with healthy snacks, and North Face fleece pullovers as temperatures drop outside. It is a great day of giving, but it wouldn’t be possible without ample support.

We want to give a very special shoutout to all of our sponsors:

Nike

OMS Surgery

Parkcrest Dental Group

Eastbay

Clear Creek Family Dental

Aleshire Robb & Rapp

Cox Health - Neurosurgery (Springfield Neurological and Spine Institute)

Spencer Fane

Multiple anonymous donors

We also want to thank the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, Harmony House, YMCA, and multiple area public schools for getting the word out and participating in this event. A special shoutout of course to the Yanders Law players and parents for donating presents and their precious time!

Make sure you are following along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram during and following the event to keep up with the good we are hopefully doing for the community that has given us so much. Merry Christmas from The Basketball Movement!

Angels of the Hardwood - Yanders Law, The Basketball Movement, and Jones Family YMCA

Yanders Law, The Basketball Movement, and the Jones Family YMCA are teaming up to bring Angels of the Hardwood to the local community.

This year will mark the first annual Angels of the Hardwood event put on by Yanders Law and its players. Yanders Law will be partnering with The Basketball Movement and its coaches to utilize the facilities and resources that The Basketball Movement can provide. The goal of this absolutely free event is to make a difference in the lives of children and let them know that people care.

During the Angels of the Hardwood event, 100 pairs of Nike shoes will be given to those in need as well as Nike shirts, basketballs, and more. The event will take place at the Jones Family YMCA on December 16th from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Angels of the Hardwood is an idea by Rob Yanders, born out of a desire to give back to the community using the platform of basketball.

“A night of basketball” will be taking place at the Jones Family YMCA in conjunction with the Angels of the Hardwood event. This evening will bring everything back to basketball, giving the players the opportunity to grow on the court through Basketball Movement skills and drills.

Full details for the event can be found on Yanders Law website here.

Follow Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement wherever possible to learn more about initiatives like this as well as some of the best basketball training and development available in the Midwest.