Who We Are
The Clemente Sports and Arts Foundation (CSAAF) is a beacon of hope for Arizona’s youth, offering a sanctuary where the arts and sports converge to illuminate the hidden talents within each child. In a world increasingly dimmed by budget cuts and socioeconomic barriers, we stand firm in our belief that every child deserves the chance to shine—through athletic discipline, creative exploration, and the camaraderie of teamwork.
Our commitment transcends mere participation; it's about equipping young minds with the resilience to navigate life's challenges and the confidence to dream big. Through sponsoring essentials like registration fees, equipment, and art supplies, we ensure that financial constraints never dim the bright potential of the children we serve.
At CSAAF, inclusion and equity are the cornerstones of our mission. We champion a diverse, welcoming space where every race, identity, and background is celebrated, fostering a community where every voice is heard and valued equally. Our dedication to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity is unwavering, as we cultivate an environment where diversity thrives and every child can flourish.
Our objectives are clear: to mold future leaders, award scholarships, mentor the youth of our community, and nurture strong, emotionally intelligent individuals. This is not just philanthropy; it's Impact-Driven Philanthropy, focusing on meaningful change that echoes into the future. We're not just giving; we're investing in the potential of our children, assessing community needs to fuel transformative initiatives that promise long-term well-being and growth.
By embracing this approach, we unlock the profound talents hidden within our youth, fostering a sense of belonging and instilling life-changing skills. Our vision extends beyond immediate aid, aiming to catalyze a ripple effect of empowerment and opportunity across communities. With the support of our partners, donors, and the community, we're not just dreaming of a brighter future; we're building it, one child at a time.
Our commitment transcends mere participation; it's about equipping young minds with the resilience to navigate life's challenges and the confidence to dream big. Through sponsoring essentials like registration fees, equipment, and art supplies, we ensure that financial constraints never dim the bright potential of the children we serve.
At CSAAF, inclusion and equity are the cornerstones of our mission. We champion a diverse, welcoming space where every race, identity, and background is celebrated, fostering a community where every voice is heard and valued equally. Our dedication to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity is unwavering, as we cultivate an environment where diversity thrives and every child can flourish.
Our objectives are clear: to mold future leaders, award scholarships, mentor the youth of our community, and nurture strong, emotionally intelligent individuals. This is not just philanthropy; it's Impact-Driven Philanthropy, focusing on meaningful change that echoes into the future. We're not just giving; we're investing in the potential of our children, assessing community needs to fuel transformative initiatives that promise long-term well-being and growth.
By embracing this approach, we unlock the profound talents hidden within our youth, fostering a sense of belonging and instilling life-changing skills. Our vision extends beyond immediate aid, aiming to catalyze a ripple effect of empowerment and opportunity across communities. With the support of our partners, donors, and the community, we're not just dreaming of a brighter future; we're building it, one child at a time.
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others? Martin Luther King, Jr.
Meet THE Team
Maritza Clemente-CoxFounder/CHAIR/SecretaryI come from a sports and arts-oriented family. As native New Yorker, I fell in love with sports while watching and playing baseball/stickball in the parks and streets of the Bronx, with my brother, cousins and friends.
At the age of 12, I moved to San Diego, CA; separated from my close-knit family and friends. I went from a happy outgoing child to an angry introverted teenager. Having access to sports and arts programs literally saved my life. I started this foundation because I want to give children the opportunity to experience the joy of creating life long friends. Learning coping skills, perseverance, and many other life lessons I gained from participating those school and after school sports and arts programs. Our mission is to make sports and arts programs accessible to all children. To allow children to explore and pursue the activities that bring them joy, if only for a few hours a day. |
Lavont HudsonDIRECTORI'm a Freelance Graphic Artist and Video Editor. Growing up in San Diego, Art was always central to my life. I was drawing cartoon characters before I knew how to write my own name.
I enjoyed showing my work to anyone who would stop to take the time, especially those who knew how to draw. I loved to take character requests from family, friends and to see how happy they were with my interpretation of the characters. Through the years I learned new techniques and shortcuts, that helped me develop, express, cultivate and master my unique style. I also learned it's important to know your flaws and allow room for healthy criticism, challenge, and growth. That's why the foundation means a lot to me. There's art in everything, and Clemente Sports and Arts Foundation (CSAAF) will provide young artists of all kinds the opportunity to hone their craft and express themselves naturally. |
cELIA rOMANDIRECTORI'm an entrepreneur deeply rooted in the insurance and travel industries. My journey is driven by a compassionate heart and a firm belief in the potential of every child.
I'm committed to creating opportunities that empower children to succeed, embodying the principle that every young mind deserves a chance to thrive. Through my work and personal endeavors, I strive to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that the future is bright for the next generation. |
GERARD COX JR.
CEO
Playing sports has always been my passion. It was a positive outlet for me, a way for me to express myself. I was able to make many lifelong friends through sports. It taught me hard work, dedication, and discipline.
My love for sports is something I have been able to pass down and experience with my son, and it has brought me a new found love of coaching! |
GERARD COX SR.
PRESIDENT
I have been serving my country since I was 18 years old. As a Navy Chief, a law enforcement officer, and program manager at US Veterans, Inc., a nonprofit which provides homeless veterans counseling so they can transition into the workforce.
I grew up on the West Side of Chicago, the second of nine children. I watched my mother struggle, barely able to provide us with the essentials yet alone quality gear and sports equipment. Many neighborhood kids had no options and turned to mischief in the streets that either cost them their lives or time in and out of prison. Now, I want to devote the skills I learned during my years of service on today’s struggling youth, providing them with the opportunity to experience sports and art so they can follow their dreams. |
SERENA CLEMENTE-COX
VICE PRESIDENT
Surrounded by athletes, artists, and musicians in my family, it was a natural outcome for me to follow in their all of their footsteps.
My family inspired my love of music. Mom played oldies and 90s, R&B/hip-hop. Dad played house music. My oldest brother was an artist and listened to rap, funk and electro music. My other brothers wrestled, played baseball and basketball, loved to dance and listened to rap music. I like to think I’m a well-blended version of them all. Dancing was my first love. I danced before I could talk. In high school, I was on a hip-hop dance team. I later took dance classes in jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. I also played basketball but stopped at 19 because of an injury. My parents encouraged me to take vocal lessons, and I started performing — touring with amazing bands throughout the West Coast. My parents sacrificed and worked hard to help us all be a part of the programs we loved and I want to give that same opportunity to other children in our community. |
NOT PICTURED
Carmen Clemente Treasurer
* Gerrick Garrett Director * Justin Chambers Director
Carmen Clemente Treasurer
* Gerrick Garrett Director * Justin Chambers Director
CLEMENTE SPORTS AND ARTS FOUNDATION, INC
We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. EIN 83-2523910. All the contributions are tax deductible.
No goods or services will be provided in exchange for the contribution.
No goods or services will be provided in exchange for the contribution.
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