Brandon Ingram Family Donates New Scoreboard to Rochelle Middle School Longtime Kinston Family Continues Tradition of Giving Back
Brandon Ingram Family Donates New Scoreboard to Rochelle Middle School;
Longtime Kinston Family Continues Tradition of Giving Back
KINSTON — The generosity of the Brandon Ingram family continues to be felt throughout Kinston, and their latest contribution arrives just in time for basketball season. Rochelle Middle School will debut a brand-new scoreboard this year, donated by Donald and JoAnn Ingram, NBA star Brandon Ingram, and the Ingram Family Fund. The board will proudly read: “Donated by Donald, JoAnn, Brandon, and the Ingram Family Fund.”
For the Ingram family, giving back isn’t a moment — it’s a mission rooted in decades of dedication to their hometown. Donald Ingram, Brandon’s father, has long been a visible supporter of youth programs, school initiatives, and community outreach projects across the county.
When speaking about the family’s latest contribution, Donald shared powerful insight into why they continue to pour into Kinston.
“Being a part of the community for most of my life we see and understand economic circumstances that affect businesses, jobs, schools and daily lifestyles,” Donald said. “I fly out weekly during basketball season and see advancement throughout both large and small cities. My goal is to do what I can when I can but within my means of my own affordability. I’m one soldier but not an army but a soldier that can make a difference in numerous lives.”
That mindset is reflected in the impact the Ingrams have made over the years. Their community involvement spans large-scale projects and personal touchpoints alike — all aimed at helping as many people as possible.
“When we give back we try to touch quantity as well as quality, meaning a large amount of people with everlasting impressions,” Donald said.
He pointed to several efforts that demonstrate that philosophy, including the annual Brandon Ingram MLK Tournament, which has donated more than $25,000, a 982-pair shoe donation to a hospital, and a two-hour distribution event that supplied 1,000 bookbags to local students.
The roots of their giving stretch back to Brandon’s early basketball journey, fueled by a promise made long before his NBA career began.
“My son and I had long days and nights in the gym, and the promise we made is what allows my heart to honor and give back the way we do,” Donald said. “That promise was, ‘If we ever make it big we’re going to get a big house, expensive cars and give back to the community!’ Well I must say we have done just that from day one.”
Before Brandon ever played in an NBA game, the family donated $25,000 to charity and to victims of Hurricane Matthew. Since then, their outreach has grown even larger:
$20,000 to Mary’s Kitchen and the homeless shelter for meal services and shower renovations
Over 1,000 bookbags, shoes, and school supplies donated for five straight years
Uniforms and shoes for Kinston High School’s boys and girls basketball teams for 10 years
Continued support for local nonprofits, including $2,500 to United Way and $2,000 to the EPIC Center for teen pregnancy support
An $85,000 renovation of the Martin C. Freeman Gym
And according to Donald, the family doesn’t plan on slowing down.
“The list goes on and on,” he said. “Though there are numerous more, my family still strives to make improvements based on observations and moving swiftly once we decide the need and importance of what is best for the community. We thank you all for your patience and most of all for your support.”
Rochelle Middle School’s new scoreboard is another chapter in a remarkable legacy — one built on hometown pride, gratitude, and a commitment to helping others shine.
