Back in May, Shaq donated $20,000 to Lafayette High for a weight room renovation. He came to the school for a visit and to check out the renovations that were done with his donations.

Lafayette, LA –  Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal toured the newly renovated weight room at Lafayette High School (LHS) on Friday.  In May, O’Neal made a $20,000 donation through South Louisiana Giving Day, an event of Community Foundation of Acadiana.

Poole approached the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) and requested funding to renovate the weight room. LPSS agreed to grant $21,000 to LHS.

In January, Poole registered to participate in SOLA Giving Day. Through his fundraising efforts, Poole received a message from  Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal, a retired NBA basketball player and former LSU athlete. O’Neal gave a generous donation of $20,000.  O’Neal’s contribution, along with other donors, helped Poole fully fund his project. The cost of the project is $42,000.

“It shows what kind of guy he is,” said Poole. “He’s selfless, and he’s about kids. They are the ones who’s going to benefit.”

O’Neal sent Poole a video. “Hello mighty Lion boosters of Lafayette, “O’Neal said. “I wanna wish you well with your fundraiser, but I may have a surprise for you. I’ll let you know. All you Lafayette High guys, students, work hard. You can be whatever you want to be. Alright. I’ll talk to you soon. Bye, bye.”  The video can be found online at www.SouthLouisianaGivingDay.org/LafayetteHighSchool.

South Louisiana Giving Day is a 24-hour online, fundraising event for nonprofit organizations. The goal is to inspire the community to come together for a 24-hour period to contribute as many charitable dollars as possible to support the work of local nonprofit organizations, churches and schools. Learn more at www.SOLAGivingDay.org.

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