Hometown Hero Bill Neal Shares His Story

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) -- Bill Neal, the founder and creator of Champion Enterprises, has been selected as a Hometown Hero.

Champion Enterprises helps keep youths off the streets and on the right path with various programs and lectures in the Pittsburgh area.  All the money raised by the organization goes directly to program operations, there are no paid employees only volunteers.

Bill said that his giving nature was instilled in him by his parents early in his childhood. He says his mother once found out he was selling comic books at school and told him, "You should give away your old comics, not sell them," and the message stuck.

Bill has been a lifetime boy scout and has worked with the YMCA throughout his life. He founded the Connie Hawkins Basketball Association, which evolved into Champion Enterprises.

Champion Enterprise's lectures and clinics reach about 250,000 kids a year and has helped countless youth get into college.

Connie Hawkins was not the only athlete who has helped Champion Enterprises, Franco Harris ran football camps as well.

Bill is a believer that these kids can be great and said, "Kids really believe they can accomplish anything when they see these real life success stories in person."

Champion Enterprises isn't only about athletics, they hold anti-drug, anti-bullying, and anti-violence lectures at schools throughout Pittsburgh. The organization also teaches Pittsburgh youth the importance of voting and helps them with voter registration.

Bill's message to the youth is, "You have to want to be great," and preaches that every opportunity he gets.

Listen to Robert Mangino on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA