Derrick Rose donates $1 million to After School Matters program

Derrick Rose has busted out the checkbook to donate $1 million to After School Matters, a Chicago non-profit dedicated to providing out-of-school programs for teenagers.

“To have a strong community of people who believe in your potential can make all the difference in the world,” Rose said in a news release. “So many people have invested in me and I want to do the same for Chicago’s teens.”

“My message to our kids is simple – you matter, you deserve every opportunity in life, and you can and should dream big because dreams can come true,” Rose said.

About 15,000 Chicago teenagers participate in the After School Matters program, which was started by former first lady Maggie Daley more than two decades ago.

Crain’s Chicago reports the gift was announced at the organization’s annual gala Tuesday night.

Bulls President Michael Reinsdorf sits on the group’s Board of Directors

Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf sits on the group’s Advisory Board