UNCASVILLE ? There were no throngs of well-wishers, not even one pesky journalist and nary a camera or microphone could be located when the image came across the computer screen. Tina Charles ? who was still a teenager when a chance sighting of a shirt worn by actress Jennifer Aniston piqued her curiosity and triggered a desire to make a difference ? was reduced to tears as she and close friend Kalana Greene saw villagers half a world away holding up signs expressing their gratitude to Charles? compassion and philanthropic spirit. While she is not the first college student to state a desire to make a difference in the world, Charles followed through on her pledge. After meeting with both of them, Charles decided she would fund the building of a school in a village in Mali. While her basketball schedule as well as the unrest in Mali prevented her from heading to Africa personally, she took charge of the charitable endeavor in every other area. Charles donated $32,000 towards the building of the school, which will serve students from grades-1-6. ?It is based on education and illiteracy for kids and that is one of the things people can never go wrong in,? Charles said. ?I thought it was just going to be the school, but it was kids outside with signs saying ?Thank you,?? Charles said. Not as outwardly gregarious as her former UConn teammates like Greene, Renee Montgomery and Maya Moore, Charles projects a more reserved persona to those who are not in her inner circle. During the latter portion of her collegiate career and certainly during her brief but incredibly impactful pro career with the WNBA?s Connecticut Sun, Charles? calling card has been her relentlessness. Friedman, who is looking to extend his company?s partnership with Charles to include her getting involved with the after school education program with the Bridgeport public high schools, was able to meet with Tina and her mother on multiple occasions and it didn?t take long for Friedman to see how important the project was to both mother and daughter. While Charles is thrilled to see photos of the school and the village residents who will benefit from it, what she really would love to do is see the school and village with her own eyes.
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