Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron’s powerhouse swing forever changed the landscape of baseball. But the home-run king’s legacy has transcended the baseball field.

Aaron continues to hit home runs with the greater Milwaukee community through a scholarship fund at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

Following his retirement from baseball in 1976, the Hank Aaron Youth Fund was established as a tribute to the former Milwaukee Braves and Brewers player. Aaron had asked that in place of a personal farewell gift, a fund be established in his name to help young people in Milwaukee.

The fund, now known as the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Fund, provides financial assistance to low-income children in Milwaukee, ages 9 to 12, who wish to develop a talent or skill and pursue their dreams – whether basketball or ballet.

The scholarships vary between $250 and $1,000 per student and are administered through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. Each child works with an adult guide to create and stick to a budget. With support from Aaron’s fund, students have not only chased, but fulfilled their dreams through such opportunities as attending basketball camp, taking African dance lessons, purchasing art supplies and buying sports equipment.