New Directions for Youth Spirit of Hope Award

The "Spirit of Hope Award" honors individuals for their dedication to improve the lives and enrich the spirits of children and families challenged by life's obstacles and roadblocks. The recipients inspire the hope in young people that they can achieve positive and rewarding futures.

In 1967, twin brothers Dana and David Pump were brought into the world to parents Carole and Harold Pump. The boys were born in Northridge, CA and were quickly on their way to establishing themselves as the influential national figures they are today.

Their impact on the youth of the community was founded with their inaugural basketball day camp held in Northridge. The initial camp, held when they were 16 years old, was intended to help the aspiring young athletes, ages 8-12, become familiar with the fundamental skills of the game of basketball. That very first camp had 10 participants, but it was the foundation of what has grown to include countless individuals and teams nationwide, many of which have gone on to college and professional teams.

From this modest beginning, Dana and David have expanded their influence and impact on kids all over the nation. In addition to the day camps, their signature events have included the highly regarded West Coast All Star Camps for individual high school aged boys and a series of spring team tournaments and summer team tournaments also for high school aged boys. Dana and David sponsor national traveling teams and countless other basketball events related to their love of the game and their desire to share that love. Many of the participants in their events have attended through the generous donation of entry fees and equipment related to the game.

Dana and David have always maintained what their corporate motto promotes, "It's All About Relationships," as they have climbed to the top of the highly competitive world of promoting individual and team athletic development. Most noteworthy in their recent accomplishments is their establishment of the Harold Pump Memorial Foundation in honor of their father who passed away after a long battle with cancer and to their mother, Carole. Their vast network of resources in the corporate and athletic worlds has enabled them to generate two and one-half million dollars for Northridge Hospital. Their fund raising efforts have established what is now known as the Harold and Carole Pump Oncology Wing of Northridge Hospital and the Carole Pump Women's Health Center at the hospital.

The names of Dana and David Pump are synonymous with success and generosity when it comes to a sincere interest in developing the character and sportsmanship of young athletes in the increasingly complex world of today. In recognition of their tireless work ethic, they have been named to the Sporting News 100 Most Influential People in Sports, they were inducted into the Jewish Athletic Hall of Fame and they have been awarded the 2007 Spirit of Hope Award.