The young participants in Crossover Mission’s academic and athletic programs had the “Home Court Advantage” as they escorted guests into the 10th annual Crossover Mission Gala.
“This is truly a night of celebration for Crossover; we have much to be grateful for,” said board chairman Brad Lorimier to the sold-out crowd at its remarkable facility.
“Our Crossover Mission is to provide support and direction to the kids and families of our community who need us the most. Many of our kids are under-resourced and facing many challenges, financially, socially, academically. It is through your support and the support of the local funding aid organizations and other philanthropies that Crossover is able to fulfill this mission.”
Lorimier proposed the first of several toasts to Antoine Jennings and Cathy De Schouwer, who founded the nonprofit in 2014, and to the staff, volunteers and the philanthropic community for their vital support.
He also recognized Brad and Francesca Anderson, whose generous $2 million donation will enable the nonprofit to pay off the mortgage, create an operating endowment for future growth, and leave a tangible legacy to Jennings and De Schouwer by renaming the facility the Jennings and De Schouwer Crossover Center for Excellence.
Louis De Schouwer and Antoine Jennings Jr. (A.J.), sons of the founders, who are now 20- and 21-year-old college students, said the Crossover concept arose when Louis asked his mother to ask Antoine Jennings to coach him.
“Inspired by my dad’s life story and support of our churches, Crossover has been a key driver in solving issues in our community, like poverty, family, education, culture and race relations,” said A.J.
Initially, they said students practiced and studied at various locations and, while they always hoped for their own facility, never dreamt it would be a 40,000-square-foot building. Since its inception, Crossover has mentored more than 650 boys and girls and is currently helping 110 student-athletes, ages 11 to 23, to achieve their future dreams.
After introducing the first decade of Crossover alumni, a demonstration by the current Crossover Mission Dribble Team showed off their precision teamwork, dribbling to a special 10th Anniversary Dribble Beat that Louis created.
“We are often held to academic success,” said Antoine Jennings, recalling two brothers who were failing nearly every single class. Crossover took them, despite the impact it might have on their measurable outcomes, because they were the sort who truly needed the help.
“Thank you all for believing in something different. Thank you all for allowing us to use basketball as a tool to drive change in our society,” said Jennings.
“Crossover has been the most important work of my life; a labor of love, in fact. Thank you, Antoine, for your friendship, partnership and mission, your honesty, your sacrifice and bravery.
This work is not easy on any level,” said De Schouwer.
She introduced Mary “Buff” Penrose as the first recipient of a new Spark Award, noting, “This award recognizes individuals whose passion, creativity and determination ignite positive change, exemplifying the transformative journey at the heart of Crossover Mission.”
Penrose stated that she was honored to receive recognition for the work of many others, including the founders, board, staff and mentors.
“They help Indian River youth, particularly those most in need, make changes to their lives through improving their academics, developing basketball skills, and by creating really innovative programs that foster character development and teamwork.”
Guests also heard from several Crossover student-athletes whose stories of overcoming challenges embody the strength and resilience of all the participants.
The students noted that during the 2023 and 2024 school year, 96 percent earned a 2.0 GPA or higher, 12 percent had straight As and, for the fifth consecutive year, 100 percent of Crossover seniors graduated from high school with a plan for college, a trade school, or a paid position in the workforce.
For more information, visit CrossoverMission.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
