Swarm, PNC Bank Team Up For Second Season In Support Of Guilford Child Development

The Greensboro Swarm, the NBA G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, today announced a continued relationship with PNC Bank for another season-long campaign to benefit Guilford Child Development (GCD). Like last season, PNC will make a contribution to the local nonprofit for each three-pointer made by a Swarm player at home during the upcoming 2019-20 season.

“We appreciate PNC’s continued sponsorship, trust and commitment with our organization as we continue to work together in the community to benefit a great organization like Guilford Child Development,” said Swarm President Steve Swetoha. “We will continue to drive the importance of education for the kids in our community and we are excited yet again to work alongside PNC to play a small part in helping to raise awareness and funds to a great organization like GCD.”

PNC will make a donation of $3 to GCD for every three-pointer made by a Swarm player at one of the 24 home games at the Fieldhouse at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Contributions will be updated for fans to monitor inside the Fieldhouse and on the Swarm social media platforms. Fans can search hashtag #PNC3Pointer to follow the campaign and relationship between the organizations throughout the season.

The Swarm coaches and players will also visit the GCD campus during the season to spend time with students and staff. During the second half of the season, the Swarm and PNC will recognize a GCD teacher for excellence at a home game. GCD provides services to more than 3,000 children and families in Guilford County each year.

“We appreciate the Swarms’ commitment to helping build a strong workforce for tomorrow by joining us in honoring pre-K teachers and their work at Guilford Child Development,” said Weston M. Andress, PNC regional president of Western Carolinas. “GCD is a true leader in early childhood education and they work tirelessly to support families. This partnership allows us to raise awareness of the importance of quality early childhood education.”

Aligning with the Swarm’s community commitment in education, health and wellness, PNC selected Guilford Child Development to be honored because of its excellence in supporting early childhood education. Founded in 1967, GCD addresses the educational, health and social needs of the county’s most vulnerable children and families; removing barriers and providing resources to promote family self-sufficiency and positive school outcomes.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2019 Kids Count Profile for North Carolina reveals that 68 percent of fourth graders are not proficient in reading. This correlates to 56 percent of 3-to-4-year-olds in the state not being enrolled in school, missing the opportunity to build pre-reading and cognitive skills necessary for reading and comprehension. These statistics are even greater amongst children living in prolonged poverty.

“PNC’s philanthropic work and our very own Greensboro Swarm is helping GCD to move the needle on closing the gap in reading proficiency and school success amongst our youngest and most vulnerable children,” said Maria Layne-Stevens, GCD Chief Executive Officer. “We urge the public to join us in building bridges throughout our community to connect families and children in need of support and life-changing services that meet their needs.”