SENECA, SC, The Blue Ridge Community Center now has six state-of-the-art basketball goals in its newly constructed courts thanks to a team from BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS).
Over two days, 14 dedicated volunteers from the Seneca Site’s Veterans Employee Team (VETS), an employee resource group (ERG), committed a total of 60 volunteer hours to bring this project to life. On Saturday, June 8, 2024, a few volunteers gathered to plan the logistics and carry out preliminary site work. The main installation took place on June 15, 2024, with 13 volunteers installing the MegaSlam72, MegaSlam60, and FX60 basketball goals.
“The teamwork from the group made this job successful. We had multiple goals being installed at the same time, thanks to the leadership skills of the volunteers present. They were not afraid to jump in and take charge,” said Tommy Holland, chair of the Seneca VETS Employee Resource Group.
The project attracted the attention of the community, with local residents stopping by to witness the installation process. The new basketball goals will serve as a valuable resource for the community, providing a safe and engaging environment for recreational activities.
“The addition of these basketball goals is a tremendous asset for our neighborhood. It provides a much-needed space for our youth to engage in healthy, active play and brings the community together in a positive way,” said Anna Webb, a member of the community near the center.
Holland expressed his pride in the project.
“Over the past few years, the Seneca VETS ERG has completed multiple projects in the upstate. This project means more to me because it is not just for a few people to use; it’s available for our entire community to enjoy,” he said.
At BASF ECMS, ERGs are established to bring together workers with similar interests and backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and supporting personal and professional development.
The VETS ERG in Seneca creates a community for employees interested in serving and connecting with veterans, both within the company and in the wider community, and averages 750 community volunteer hours annually. Additionally, the Seneca site’s African American Employee Group (AAEG) has collaborated with the Blue Ridge Community Center. Earlier this year, AAEG partnered with Bless It Solutions to provide financial literacy education at the center. During this partnership, BASF ECMS learned of the center’s need for a floor buffer for general facility maintenance and promptly donated the equipment. This connection led to the VETS ERG’s involvement in the basketball court project. These combined efforts highlight BASF’s commitment to supporting and enhancing community resources and educational outreach.
“We are proud of our ERGs, like the VETS and AAEG, and their commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Projects like these not only enhance our community’s facilities but also strengthen the bonds between our employees and the local residents,” said Elba Lizardi, Site Director at BASF ECMS.
The Blue Ridge Community Center (BRCC), located at 315 Holland Avenue in the old Code Elementary School Building, has a rich history as the former Blue Ridge High School, an all-black high school which closed in 1969 following integration. Now a 501(c)(3) non-profit, BRCC is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to community youth and adults. The center’s mission is to serve as a catalyst to offer educational, sports, and developmental programs and activities, enhancing residents’ ability to make informed life decisions and become model citizens.
“This collaboration with BASF has been incredibly impactful. The new basketball goals will greatly benefit our community by providing a safe space for our youth to play and grow. We are grateful for their support and dedication,” said Dr. Curtis White, Blue Ridge Community Center Board Chair.
The timing of this project, coinciding with Juneteenth celebrations, underscores BASF ECMS’s commitment to creating opportunities and enhancing facilities within underserved communities. This initiative reflects our dedication to commemorating Juneteenth by actively contributing to community development and inclusivity.
These new basketball goals will not only provide recreational opportunities but will also help the Blue Ridge Community Center continue its mission of offering valuable programs and services to the youth in the area.
To learn more about BASF’s recycling business, visit www.basf.com/ecms.
About BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions
Leveraging its deep expertise as a global leader in catalysis and precious metals, BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) serves customers in many industries including automotive, aerospace, indoor air quality, semiconductors, and hydrogen economy, and provides full loop services with its precious metals trading and recycling offering. With a focus on circular solutions and sustainability, ECMS is committed to helping our customers create a cleaner, more sustainable world. Protecting the elements of life is our purpose and this inspires us to ever-new solutions. ECMS operates globally in 15 countries with over 4,500 employees and 20 production sites.
