several different things that I’ve started getting involved with from water to a casino company—just some different opportunities I’ve had as an entrepreneur. The Kenny Thomas Foundation was basically started to help disadvantaged kids, not only to give them access to funds, but also to guide them and teach them along the way.
EU: Is there any part of your organization that stands out the most to you or maybe you relate to the most?
KT: My foundation, definitely. I’m blessed to where I’ve been able to make a lot of money playing basketball, and now I feel like in order to be successful in life, you gotta be able to give back to others first.
EU: Kenny Thomas Enterprises was founded in 2007, with your emphasis seeming to lean towards the charitable aspect of it, the Kenny Thomas Foundation. As a business man, what is it about philanthropy that appeals to you?
KT: I think just having the God-given ability to be successful at one thing, which is basketball, and then having another blessing which is the opportunity I’ve had to expand into the business world, you don’t have a choice but to give back. Being successful has been great, but the success is nothing if not shared. Kenny Thomas Enterprises not only generates money for the company to be successful, but at the same time, it’s more about me being able to make money to give back [to the youth].
EU: What are some of the charities you are involved with in and outside of Sacramento?
KT: Right now I just had my golf tournament here in Sacramento at Catta Verdera Golf Course and Big Brothers/Big Sisters was involved as one of my charities. As I mentioned, my focus is on the kids, so I’m basically looking to expand to become a Big Brother soon because I haven’t yet—I know it’ll happen soon. That’s another great opportunity for me to help other people. There are a lot of charities I’d like to get involved with, though. Like my mom has glaucoma, so that might be a situation of a charity I’d like to get involved with; my dad’s a veteran with the army, so that’s another charity I might like to get involved with. Who knows what the future might bring—I’m open.
EU: Tell me a little bit about your annual golf tournament?
KT: I’ve been doing golf tournaments for the last like 7 to 8 years, but the most recent tournament here in Sacramento is new. I’m looking to expand to New Mexico—I’ve reached out to Big Brothers/Big Sisters out there, so we’ll see what happens. But like I said, this is my 7th or 8th year doing golf tournaments, and I’ve actually had my tournament out in Albuquerque, New Mexico that was affiliated with some other charities, but now I’m mainly trying to focus on Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
EU: We at EU like to focus on healthy lifestyle choices. I noticed a lot of working out posts on your Facebook page. Even now after your time in the NBA, are you an avid fitness buff?
KT: I mean I played in the NBA for 11 years—I’ve been retired for almost four now. I’ve only had two personal trainers throughout the whole 11 years. I mainly just took it upon myself to stay in shape and work out on a consistent basis—focusing on health—because I think it's important in life. Having kids and seeing too many kids come up with a lot of obesity issues makes the whole health and fitness thing so important now. I also love MMA and am training to get better at it. It makes working out less about work and more about fun fitness when you love what you’re doing.
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