James Caron Butler was born in 1980 in Racine, Wisconsin where he grew up in a rough neighborhood and found himself arrested 15 times before the age of 15. With the help of his mother he enrolled in the Maine Central Institute, in Pittsfield, Maine and sharpened his skills as a power forward on the MCI Huskies team. Through his hard work at MCI and with his mom's support he was awarded a scholarship to the University of Connecticut under Coach Jim Calhoun in 2000.

Under Coach Jim Calhoun, Butler lost 15 pounds and developed his perimeter game. After his sophomore season he decided to enter the 2002 NBA Draft where he was a lottery pick, selected as the 10th overall pick to the Miami Heat.

Caron's Community Work:

2007:
In June 2007, Caron was awarded the NBA’s Community Assist Award in recognition of his efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic work. He hosted Caron Butler’s Summer Homecoming in his hometown of Racine, Wisconsin, which consisted of several charity events focused on the youth in the community..Was honored as the City of Racine proclaimed June 8, 2007, Caron Butler Day at City Hall.

In September the Butlers purchased and donated 1,000 brand new coats to students at his hometown Middle School-Mitchell Middle School in Racine, Wisconsin in support of Caron’s Coats for Kids.

2006:
In March, Caron was tabbed as a Special Deputy by the Philadelphia Sheriff's Department.

In July, Caron was recognized by The Sporting News as one of the top “Good Guys” in sports for his charitable endeavors.

In September they purchased and donated 1,000 brand new coats to students at his hometown Middle School-Mitchell Middle School in Racine, Wisconsin; Caron's Coats for Kids.

Caron and Andrea adopted a family for the Christmas Holiday and purchased over $3,500 worth of toys, clothing items, and food for the entire family.

2005:
In May, Caron donated $26,000 to purchase 300 bicycles for underprivileged youths in Racine.

In August, Caron helped organize “Urban Dialogue: Stop the Violence — A Community Outreach Event” in his hometown of Racine , Wisconsin . This event brought kids of all ages and races together for an afternoon of basketball and discussion to promote the idea of a violence-free community. Caron also donated $3,000 in prize money for the winning basketball team.

In September, 2005 Caron was a guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” for a show titled “How My Worst Moment Made Me a Star.”

Additional Information:
Caron is involved with the Bray Center Youth Fund back in his hometown of Racine , WI.

He visited incarcerated youth at Oak Hill Youth Detention Center in Maryland to offer support and share his life story.

He has dreams of building and counseling in a group home for at-risk youths after NBA career.

Click here to read about Caron's NBA Career »