The Whirlpool Foundation is set to mark its fifth consecutive Day of Impact in Benton Harbor, a city on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a hands‑on community service project that will transform the basketball courts behind Benton Harbor High School.
Scheduled for June 18, the volunteer effort will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., inviting city commissioners, local leaders and residents to roll up their sleeves and help upgrade the facilities that have long served the town’s youth.
Equality Through Play
The initiative is framed around the foundation’s equality pledge, which seeks to level opportunities for underserved neighborhoods. By refurbishing the courts, the foundation hopes to create a safer, more inviting space for basketball programs that have previously been supported by former NBA star Sinbad, who donated the original equipment.
Tracy Robinson, a longtime advocate for youth sports in the area, will join volunteers on the ground, underscoring the personal commitment of community leaders to the project.
Whirlpool employees will work side‑by‑side with neighbors, using the company’s resources to install new surfacing, repaint the hoops and add modern lighting. The collaborative approach reflects the foundation’s belief that lasting change comes from shared effort.
The Day of Impact not only improves physical infrastructure but also reinforces a culture of civic engagement. City officials say the event showcases how public‑private partnerships can address local needs while fostering a sense of ownership among residents.
As the sun sets on June 18, the newly refreshed courts will stand as a testament to what can be achieved when a foundation, a school and an entire community come together, promising many more seasons of play for the next generation.