WVC men’s basketball receives $25,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life

WENATCHEE — Wenatchee Valley College’s men’s basketball program has been awarded a $25,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life, funding that will be used for facility upgrades, equipment purchases, travel assistance, and team activities.

The grant was announced by WVC Athletics and will support improvements including locker room upgrades, new gear, and other program needs aimed at supporting current and future athletes.

The ceremonial check presentation is scheduled to take place during halftime of the Knights’ game against Treasure Valley on Jan. 31 at Smith Gym on the Wenatchee campus. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m.

WVC Athletic Director Greg Sparling said the investment will have a meaningful impact on the program.

“We are grateful for New York Life’s investment in our men’s basketball program, which will change our current and future athletes’ lives for the better,” Sparling said.

Head coach Jordan Highland credited assistant coach Braden Draggoo, a WVC basketball alum, with helping secure the grant.

“This is all the doing of Braden Draggoo,” Highland said. “He is a WVC basketball alum and has helped support men’s basketball for years.”

Draggoo, now a financial advisor with Draggoo Financial Group and a New York Life agent, said the grant reflects the company’s emphasis on community involvement.

“I’m proud to work for a company that encourages its agents and employees to devote their time, energy, and talents to support the needs and priorities of their local community,” Draggoo said. “We are pleased that our partnership will have a long-lasting impact on the Knights men’s basketball program and the students and community they serve.”

The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to nonprofit organizations championed by New York Life agents and employees. Since the program began in 2008, more than 850 grants totaling over $12 million have been awarded nationwide.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media