[Posted Jan. 23, 2008]

Rep. Scott Applauds $100,000
Gift From Iverson To Fight Crime

NEWPORT NEWS—Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (DVA-3), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security on the House Judiciary Committee, announced recently that local National Basketball Association star Allen Iverson of the Denver Nuggets is donating $100,000 to the Peninsula Community Foundation so the Newport News Police Department may continue its current “Gun Buy Back” program.

Denver Nuggets Guard and Newport News native Allen Iverson.

      “This is a great gift from local NBA standout Allen Iverson. It is a significant act of philanthropy for a well intended community based effort.  It may initiate a larger degree of participation by others,” said Representative Scott.
      The “Gun Buy Back” program is a joint effort of the Peninsula Community Foundation and the Newport News Police Department.  Like similar programs, these two groups began this campaign to raise money and awareness to reduce guns and acts of gun violence in local neighborhoods. 
       “I have made this contribution because I want to make a difference and I hope that others join me,” said Iverson.  “I can remember growing up in Newport News and Hampton and if we can prevent one more child from being killed and another family from crying and mourning the death of another loved one, then it is more than worth it,” Iverson pledged.
       Results from the initial weekend of the “Gun Buy Back” program, according media accounts, were very good.  

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