welcome!

It all started with a simple question,
​"What can we do to help these kids?"

Rick Telander's five-part profile on the Orr Academy High School basketball team is moving and personal, heartbreaking and encouraging.

Net Gain 2017 was our response - a fundraiser to support the Orr basketball program and a cultural exchange to positively impact young men from both Orr Academy High School and Lake Forest High Schools. 

On Saturday, June 24 the Orr Academy High School basketball teams visited Lake Forest High School and played two exhibition games - junior varsity tipped off at 2:00 and the varsity teams played the second game. See out Net Gain 2017 in Pictures slideshow on The Event page for some visual highlights.

In an effort for the teams to get to know each other, a luncheon at the Lake Forest beach pavilion took place before the games, as well as an after game barbecue with the players, coaches and sponsors.

By all accounts, Net Gain 2017 "exceeded all expectations" and proved to be an eye opening educational experience for all student athletes involved as well as a successful fundraiser for the Orr Academy's basketball programl.

Our original goal was to raise $15,000 toward a multi-year commitment supporting Orr Academy High School's basketball program. In the end we raised over $33,000.

You can still help visit our Sponsorship page!
Net Gain 2017 Goal
April 24 - Update
This is great news!

Our own Rick Telander was named a winner of the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi award for his 5-part series on the Orr Academy basketball team that inspired Net Gain 2017.

Rick's award will be presented June 8 at The National Press Club in Washington.

​Congratulations Rick. We are so proud of you!
​Read the Chicago Sun-Times announcement here. Read Rick's 5-part series here or click on The Orr Story tab at the top of the page. 
November 9 - Update
Net Gain 2017 is proud and excited to  have supporters all across the country!
An anonymous source in Cleveland, Ohio offered a total gym workout system as a donation to Orr Academy. The only catch was it had to be picked up, disassembled, brought to Chicago and then set up again!
So a team of volunteers rented a BIG truck and brought the equipment back to Orr Academy where a few expert technicians set it all up again.
​Coach Adams says the boys are in there everyday not only building strength, but confidence.
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Technicians setting up at Orr
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Players enjoying their workout
August 1 - Update
Picture
Coach Lou Adams and Tom Dickelman
Net Gain 2017 is proud to support the efforts of Coach Lou Adams and the Orr Academy basketball program.

The first contribution of $15,000 will go to purchase:
• Repair of gym lighting
• Freshman uniforms, shoes, gym bags, warmups
• Sophomore uniforms, shoes, gym bags, warmups
• Varsity uniforms, shoes, gym bags, warmups,       practice jerseys & shorts
• Weight ropes
• Ball racks
• Basketballs 
• One out of town trip
• Basketball camp for neighborhood children
July 31 - Update
As broadcast on NBC's Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly 7/30/17

"Lou Adams is more that just a coach of Orr Academy's boys basketball team. He's become a mentor and savior to the boys on his team - inspiring them to see a life for themselves beyond their violent surroundings."

Click here or visit the Gallery page to view the full episode along with two bonus videos: 'An interview with Orr Principal, Dr. Shanele Andrews,' and 'Parents of Orr Basketball Players Share Their Fears For Their Sons.'
July 28 - Update
Now here is some GOOD NEWS!

On Sunday, July 30, Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly will feature an episode spotlighting the exceptional work Coach Lou Adams is doing with the Orr Academy High School basketball program! The episode airs at 7:00 PM (EST) / 6:00 PM (CST).
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Inspired by Rick Telander’s five-part profile on Coach Adams, his players and the realities of growing up in the violence infested west side of Chicago, this episode promises to be a thoughtful and inspiring story of our time.

For a sneak peek, click here to read the July 28 Chicago Sun-Times story 'Orr Coach Lou Adams Profiled on NBC's 'Sunday Night with Megan Kelly.'
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Once the program has been aired, we will provide a link here on Net Gain 2017.

And if you have not read Rick’s articles, click here to read all five outstanding articles, plus his follow up story.

All of us involved with Net Gain 2017 congratulate Coach Adams on his well-deserved recognition and we are proud to support his efforts as he supports and enriches the lives of the Orr Academy students!
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July 7 - Update

See the new New Gain 2017 in Pictures slideshow on The Event page!
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