Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation kicks off the holiday at the KVM

More than 250 children from West Michigan enjoyed full-run of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on the evening of December 12, as part of Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation’s Annual Holiday Express. The event is designed to reward young people involved in Turn 2’s programs who are demonstrating positive behavior, academic success, and who show leadership at school and in their communities.

Derek Jeter himself, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, made surprise personal visits at the evening event where the kids received free goodie bags. Jeter, a former star baseball player at Kalamazoo Central, grew up in Kalamazoo and has played for the New York Yankees since 1995.

Kids aged eight to ten years old also enjoyed an evening full of learning activities throughout the museum. Jeter said seeing the emotion on the faces of the children never gets old.

“I think everyone is a kid at heart, especially when it comes to holiday seasons,” said Jeter. “ I always enjoy getting the opportunity to come back here talking to the kids, meeting the kids’ families and see kids who have gone through our program come back and help out.”

“Being able to support Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation is a perfect fit for the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. We can combine fun, community support and provide enough space for this growing program,” said Bill McElhone, Director of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. “We are thrilled that Mr. Jeter chose to recognize the kids involved in his program here.” Jeter held his first foundation event in 1996 in Kalamazoo and said he looks forward to coming back whenever he gets the chance.

The Turn 2 Foundation has awarded more than $18 million in grants to create and sustain programs that motivate young people to “Turn 2” healthy lifestyles. Through these ventures, the foundation strives to create outlets for children to achieve academic excellence, develop leadership skills and remain drug and alcohol free. These programs all share the same goal of helping today’s youth become the leaders of tomorrow.