Playing college basketball at Jacksonville University provided Otis the chance to stay connected to the community and to the children he so desperately wanted to help. Despite a schedule that included college courses, studying, basketball practice and games, Otis took it upon himself to reach out to those who needed help. He began holding informal basketball clinics, where he taught local children not only the fundamentals of basketball, but valuable life skills as well. Respect, teamwork, conflict resolution and making positive choices were just a few of the important values Otis stressed at the clinics. He continued working with children on his own throughout his college career, earning the respect of his teammates, his family and most importantly, the children of Northeast Florida.
Drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 1986 draft, Smith continued to nurture and teach Jacksonville children during the off-season for several years. On October 30, 1989, Otis's lifelong dream came true - the Otis Smith Kids Foundation received its charter and one of Jacksonville's leading children's organizations was born.
Since its inception in 1989, the Otis Smith Kids Foundation has made a positive impact on the lives of more than 10,000 Northeast Florida children. As times have changed, so have some of the programs provided by the Foundation. Education initiatives, personal growth and development are now the core programs provided to more than 1,000 disadvantaged children each year. Children explore career opportunities and work with mentors who encourage their creativity, celebrate their individuality and nurture their spirit. Simply stated, children learn, grow and achieve.
And it all started with the dreams of a little boy in Jacksonville.