( BLACK PR WIRE) ( July 24, 2009) For more than a decade, former Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning has been helping to make a difference in the lives of many youth in the city of Miami through his Alonzo Mourning Charities (AM Charities). One of the exciting events that are held during the annual five-day event is Zo’s Summer Groove Block Party (ZSG), which recently took place at the American Airlines Arena in downtown Miami. Both Alonzo Mourning and Miami Heat All-Star guard Dwyane Wade partnered together for the second year in a row to help attract more youths and residents of the communities throughout Miami.

Both athletes have been acknowledged for the work their charities have done by establishing programs geared towards promoting educational development, health and social skills. Overall, the programs are designed to promote a positive change in low socioeconomic communities in South Florida.
This year’s event featured music performances from local Miami artists and radio DJs playing some of the latest Hip-Hop and R&B songs to keep the crowd entertained. ZSG also had various businesses such as Home Depot, T-Mobile, 99 Jamz and Sports Authority providing residents with brochures, gift bags and opportunities to enter raffles for cool prizes. Residents also got to try out different flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream, which was also in attendance at the venue.

In addition to local artists performing and various organizations being in attendance, there were activities available to the youth to keep them entertained. These included getting their faces painted, shooting hoops and even building wooden birdhouses. It’s organizations such as Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade’s World Foundation that have become a resource for both children and adults seeking to improve in every area of their lives.