It all started with basketball…
In 2005 we founded a free basketball camp for high school boys. Starting with 29 boys, we grew to 80 boys and 40 girls in 2021. To date, we have served over 1,500 players.
In 2019 we began to create video coverage of local high school sports, on social media (at that time, 718 followers on Twitter and Facebook). Today, we have nearly 17,000 followers across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and we are widely recognized as a vehicle for showcasing the talent of local athletes.
We have discovered that sports provide a unique opportunity to bring together young adults and law enforcement, creating a shared vision of opportunities to fight racism and poverty.
Today, athletes and fans from the city and suburbs come together to help, providing thanksgiving dinners and holiday toys and coats to those in need.
In our upcoming event Hoopers and Troopers, we will break down the barriers that exist between young people and law enforcement in a friendly competition in which everyone wins.
“Karen is everywhere in Monroe County, specifically the City of Rochester, uplifting these young men and women and bolstering their confidence. They provide somewhere for these young people to confide and share their stories. Whether these teenagers have a criminal history or straight A’s in school, Karen is there to lend an ear and use her network of support to better their lives and give them opportunities” - Sandra Doorley, Monroe county district attorney
Karen interviews Jake Simmons on the impact that PrimeTime585 has had on his life.
2023 Youth advocate of the year
Primetime585 co-founder recognized as the Monroe County youth advocate of the year by county executive Adam Bello. This award is given to the person who had an impact on the county’s children in a positive way. This is the highest honor given our yearly by the county legislature and the county executive.
Dick’s & Primetime585
Primetime585 and Dicks House of Sport team up to identify school programs in need of equipment. In December 2023 we had the grand opening of the weight room at Vertus Charter School, which received $75,000, and a check presentation at Uprep for new uniforms for the boys basketball team.
Primetime585 Niagara University Trip
Year 3 of our Niagara university trip. This year we took 45 kids from 11 schools to tour Niagara and attend the rivalry game between Niagara and St. Bonaventure. These kids were given the red carpet treatment, meeting the Provost and many university administrators, learning the art of networking.
GREECE OLYMPIA CLOTHING CLOSET
Primetime585 provided 80% of clothing, coats, shoes, and sneakers to help start the Greece Olympia clothing closet in December 2023. Primetime585 will continue to provide clothing during the year updated teen-friendly clothing to keep the closet stocked.
Brighton Believe
Primetime585 was recognized by the Brighton Central School Board and the national superintendent of the year, Dr. McGowan. As a recipient of the award, Brighton recognizes our organization as an organization that brings change to its students.
Primetime585 was honored at the commencement ceremony of niagara university on 5/15/22.
We received the Vincent de Paul and the St. Louise de Marillac medal for community service by the board of trustees and Rev. James J. Maher, C.M.D. Min (president of Niagara University)