June 2006

Hello Friends

This year it is with both great sadness and pleasure that I inform you that the Alvin Williams Slam Dunk for Autism tournament will not be held.  It is with sadness because having the tournament meant great things for autism awareness and programs, our youth, the meeting of new faces or the reunion of families, teams, and coaches from years past.  It is my pleasure to inform you that both Alvin and I have extended our families this year, which is why we are unable to institute a tournament that would live up to our expectations.

In August of 2003 the first Slam Dunk for Autism basketball tournament was held at Villanova University hosted by the Alvin and Alfreda Williams Sr. Foundation.  The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as money for the Autistic program at the Green Tree School.  Over 60 teams from the United States and even Canada participated in this wonderful event.  In the years that followed response was overwhelming, more money was raised than ever imagined, interest about autism was peaked, and new alliances were formed between our family and your basketball families. 

We hope that you will join us next year, August 2007 for our best tournament to date.  We are constantly talking about our vision for the next tournament and plan to make it fun, challenging, and informative as ever.

We look forward to seeing you next year.  Please look for notices in the mail from the Alvin & Alfreda Sr. Williams Foundation and check our website at: www.williams-foundation.org periodically for information about the tournament and other upcoming events.

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in 2007.

All the best,

Doreen Y. Williams                                          Alvin L. Williams, Jr.