About Us

Tarence Wheeler is the Founder and CEO of the Tarence Wheeler Foundation. A native of Detroit and former all-state basketball player, Tarence played college hoops for the Arizona State Sun Devils. After playing professional basketball in South America, Wheeler returned to Detroit only to see children who lacked hope, families that were deprived and neighborhoods that were crime-ridden. He realized then that he had to do something to make a difference. Since 2007, Tarence’s volunteer efforts have impacted the lives of over 105,000 people. He takes tremendous pride that All-Star Giveback has provided over 23,500 Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need throughout Wayne County. He consistently mentors 50 Detroit youth, helping them foster positive relationships with their community leaders and build promising futures. He has also partnered with DTE to facilitate over $7.8 million in utility payments for low-income families. Tarence often says that he is in the life-saving business, constantly giving back to the community that raised him. “When I leave this earth,” said Tarence, “I will leave empty because I will continually pour into the lives of people.”