Our Story
Introduction
In 2011, NCAA college basketball star Jimmer Fredette won every major player of the year award. His “must-see TV” style of play inspired millions and brought excitement to America as teams “Got Jimmered” and songs such as “Teach Me How to Jimmer” by Feel Good Music Coalition and “Amazing” by Jimmer’s brother, TJ Fredette, were written and released. President Barack Obama called Jimmer “Unbelievable. Best scorer obviously in the country. Great talent.”… and NBA superstar Kevin Durant tweeted, “Jimmer Fredette is the best scorer in the world!!” Jimmermania swept the nation.
Jimmerosity Is Born
Soon, stories of Jimmer’s youth and upbringing began to emerge, such as Jimmer’s visits to prisons in upstate NY to play basketball with inmates and his sticking up for marginalized kids in school. Jimmer’s generosity became known as “Jimmerosity” and led to the formation of the Fredette Family Foundation, with a mission to strengthen youth and families and encourage kindness, civility, and respect in schools and communities nationwide.
Share Your Jimmerosity
Since then, Jimmer’s inspiring story has been told to millions of viewers on television, print, in schools, and households worldwide. Programs such as the Fredette Family Foundation’s Positive Peer Pressure and CHOSEN program were designed and implemented in schools to take care of students’ basic needs, while encouraging kindness, compassion, empathy, and connection.
Jimmerosity Schools And Jimmerocities
Today, the Jimmerosity programs have grown to over 30 schools with over 20,000 students each year in New York and Utah. Since the program’s inception, over 150,000 students lives have been touched and changed. These schools and communities are encouraged to “share their Jimmerosity” by creating and maintaining a “culture of kindness.”
Thank You
“It’s become quite clear that modern education ought to encompass more than just academics, and that matters of the heart must be taken seriously and nurtured as a matter of priority.”-Lisa Currie, Ripple Kindness Project Founder