Alec Flores, 13, inspired the creation of the Alec Flores Youth Sports Scholarship Corporation following his death in 2019. The nonprofit has awarded more than $152,000 in youth sports scholarships and recently launched its Team 10 monthly giving campaign to expand support for young athletes. Photo courtesy of the Flores family

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Nearly seven years after 13-year-old Alec Flores was killed by a drunk driver while walking to school, a nonprofit created in his memory continues to help young athletes participate in sports.

The Alec Flores Youth Sports Scholarship Corporation has launched "Team 10," a 10-week membership campaign designed to grow monthly support for scholarships that help families cover the costs of youth sports. The campaign runs through Oct. 10 and encourages supporters to make recurring donations starting at $10 per month.

Since its founding, the organization has awarded more than $152,000 in scholarships to 640 young athletes participating in programs with more than 60 local sports organizations and clubs, helping families pay for registration fees, equipment, uniforms and travel expenses. The organization accepts scholarship applications from athletes in Sutter, Yuba and Colusa counties, as well as the City of Gridley in Butte County. Athletes who live in Gridley or participate in an athletic organization based in Gridley are eligible to apply.

The new campaign builds on the nonprofit's annual "10 for Alec" tradition, which encourages donations connected to Alec's birth month of October.

"Over the years, our community has embraced the '10 for Alec' tradition in such a meaningful way," said Tara Repka Flores, vice president of operations for the Alec Flores Youth Sports Scholarship Corporation. "Team 10 allows us to build on that incredible support and create sustainable opportunities for young athletes throughout the year."

Repka Flores said athletics played a significant role in Alec's life.

"Sports gave Alec confidence, friendships, purpose and joy," she said. "By joining Team 10, supporters can help ensure more kids have the chance to experience those same benefits. Every gift helps keep a young athlete in the game

The nonprofit said the campaign represents an effort to create year-round support rather than relying on a single annual fundraising push. Supporters who join during the campaign will be recognized as Team 10 members and receive thank-you gifts based on their level of monthly giving, including certificates, recognition on the organization's website and social media, and additional items for higher giving levels.

Campaign materials describe the effort with the slogan, "Give 10. Keep Them in the Game." The organization reports it has now awarded more than $152,500 in scholarships and supported more than 670 athletes, reflecting continued growth since the nonprofit's founding.

The Team 10 campaign concludes Oct. 10, a date chosen to recognize Alec's legacy and the organization's mission of expanding access to youth sports.

More information is available at http://AlecYouthSports.org.