With March Madness in full swing, we have loved bringing our passion for basketball and our commitment to community support together through the Golden 1 Charity Shootout. Sunday, March 15th marked our third and final Charity Shootout of the season, and it was the perfect send off, complete with that crowd-pleasing swoosh every time a basket dropped.
Participating this time was Gateway Community Charters, (GCC) an organization that has spent more than two decades helping students across Sacramento County access high quality, innovative educational opportunities.
How it works
During the Charity Shootout, a nonprofit representative steps onto the court for a fast-paced shooting challenge. Each basket made translates directly into funding for the organization they represent. Participants attempt four shots in sequence, beginning with a layup, then a free throw, and moving to longer distance shots, with the chance to earn up to ten thousand dollars.
The format is simple, exciting, and impactful. For Gateway Community Charters, it was an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the students, families, and educators who make their mission come to life every day.
All about Gateway Community Charters
Founded in 2003, Gateway Community Charters was created with a clear purpose: to create and manage high-quality charter schools that provide access to innovative, educational opportunities for all students. Today, the organization serves students and families throughout Sacramento County, with a strong focus on historically underserved communities.
Approximately 80% of the families GCC serves are low-income, and many students face significant barriers to academic and career success. GCC’s schools are designed to meet students where they are, offering supportive environments, relevant learning pathways, and meaningful connections that help students see what is possible.
Creating pathways to their futures
Gateway Community Charters believes the purpose of education is to open doors, and funding helps make that possible, expanding access to programs many students wouldn’t otherwise have. And it’s so much more than programs. We’re talking everything from technical career pathways to wellness support and even getting a jump on college credits through dual enrollment opportunities.
Beyond building skills, these experiences help students develop confidence, grow their identity, and gain a sense of belonging. GCC has supported students who once felt disconnected from school find purpose through hands-on, career-focused learning, including students who entered significantly behind in credits and went on to graduate while earning college credits or industry certifications.
Programs like Fire Science and hands on projects like the Electric Vehicle (EV) Lowrider build give students practical experience and a chance to discover what clicks. Those moments of realization are what drive the GCC’s work forward.
Why support matters
Support from events like the Golden 1 Charity Shootout directly enables GCC to continue expanding opportunity for students across the region. Funding helps remove barriers, strengthen programs, and create real world learning experiences that prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
A moment on the court
Although the Charity Shootout moment may only last seconds, its impact reaches far beyond the final shot. Representing GCC on the court was 16-year-old GCC student, Anthoni Morri. When asked what his moment on the court felt like, Morrie had this to say: “I don’t know how to explain it, I’m just so grateful to be here.” He went on to win a total of $3,000 for the organization.
But every basket made totaled much more than points on a scoreboard. It meant bright futures for students, families finding support, and educators continuing their work of helping kids realize their potential.
How you can support Gateway Community Charters
If GCC’s mission resonates with you, there are meaningful ways to get involved. Community members can partner to create opportunities for students through internships and mentorships, sponsor events, support the organization through its foundation, or help expand real world learning experiences through local business and industry connections.
As the third and final Charity Shootout of the season, this event marked another impactful moment for Golden 1 and our community impact efforts. By spotlighting organizations like Gateway Community Charters, we are proud to help.
advance education, opportunity, and brighter futures across Sacramento County, and we are honored to continue our Charity Shootout events for many more seasons to come.
To learn more about Gateway Community Charters and find ways to support its mission, connect through the GCC Foundation page.
