Keeping the Beat, Saving Young Athletes: Every Heart BEAT Counts!
Daniel E. Rumph II Empowering heart health and safety for youth in sports and communities
21 Years of Legacy: The 21st Annual Classic Honors Daniel
We thank 6abc Action News for helping share Danny’s story and the continuing impact of the Daniel E.
The 21st Annual Danny Rumph Classic concluded on Monday, August 10, 2026, following five unforgettable days of basketball, community and celebration.
We sincerely thank the players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and fans who helped make this year’s Classic a meaningful tribute to Danny’s life and legacy.
The Danny Rumph Classic is one of Philadelphia’s premier basketball tournaments and the signature event of the Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation. The tournament honors Danny and celebrates the game he and so many others love.
After Danny passed away from a heart condition in 2005 at the Mallery Recreation Center—now the Daniel E. Rumph II Recreation Center—Mike Morak and several of Danny’s friends organized the first Rumph Classic in his memory. What began as a small Philadelphia community event has grown into one of the East Coast’s most recognized summer basketball traditions.
Featured by 6abc Action News
The 21st Annual Danny Rumph Classic received special coverage from 6abc Action News, highlighting how the tournament continues to honor Danny’s life 21 years after his passing at age 21.
The report shares Danny’s story and shows how his family, friends and community have transformed tragedy into a lasting mission. Since 2006, the annual Classic has brought people together through basketball while advancing awareness of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, sudden cardiac arrest, CPR education and the importance of access to automated external defibrillators.
YOU’RE INVITED THE RUMPH FOUNDATION ANNUAL DINNER PARTY
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2026 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
THE OPEN SPACE
361 Highland Avenue
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring:
MUSIC • FOOD • AWARDS • OPEN BAR
Come celebrate the individuals and supporters whose dedication continues to advance the mission of the Rumph Foundation.
An Evening of Celebration, Community, and Legacy
.png/:/rs=w:1240,cg:true,m)
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION.
Investing in Futures 2027
The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation Scholarship Program was created to support driven student leaders pursuing higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Through educational opportunity, mentorship, and community investment, the Foundation is committed to helping students turn their goals into lasting success.
Building Leaders Through Education
Our scholarship initiative recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, strong character, and community involvement. The Foundation believes education is one of the most powerful tools for creating change and empowering the next generation of leaders, athletes, professionals, and innovators.
Eligible students from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware are encouraged to apply for scholarship assistance to help cover tuition, books, housing, and educational expenses.
Creating Legacy & Impact
The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities by investing in youth development, educational access, and future leadership. Every scholarship awarded represents an investment in purpose, opportunity, and generational impact.
Together, we are building brighter futures, empowering scholars, and creating legacies that extend far beyond the classroom.
🎉 Congratulations to Our Scholarship Recipients 🎉
The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation proudly celebrates its 2026 scholarship recipients:
Sean T. Allen Jr.
Temple University
Madison Bowen
Bowie State University
Malley Bowens
Texas Southern University
These exceptional scholars have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, strong character and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. Their accomplishments embody the values and lasting legacy of the Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation.
We are honored to invest in their educational journeys as they enter this exciting new chapter. We are confident that Sean, Madison and Malley will continue to excel, inspire others and make meaningful contributions on their campuses and within their future professions.
Please join us in congratulating our 2026 scholarship recipients and celebrating the bright futures ahead of them!
Celebrating Excellence • Leadership • Legacy
THE DANNY RUMPH CLASSIC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT AT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA • 1700 SPRING GARDEN STREET •
THE Daniel E. Rumph II FOUNDATION DONATED 18 AED'S
PROMOTING HEALTH AND SAFETY
The DERII Foundation is committed to promoting the health and safety of youth communities by providing essential life-saving equipment to recreational centers across the region. Our mission is to ensure that every facility where children gather is equipped to handle emergencies, giving peace of mind to parents and community members alike.
18 AED'S DONATED
We are proud to have recently donated 16 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to the DE Boys and Girls Clubs and two AEDs to the MSK Community Center. These devices are crucial in responding to cardiac emergencies, particularly in active environments like youth clubs and community centers. By equipping these facilities with AEDs, we are directly contributing to the well-being of the children and staff who rely on these centers for education, recreation, and community.
SCA MATTERS
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, at any time. AEDs are vital tools that can save lives by restoring a normal heart rhythm during an emergency. For youth who are involved in physical activities, the presence of AEDs in their environment is particularly important. The DERII Foundation recognizes this need and is dedicated to making sure that every youth facility is prepared for such emergencies.
Our Director
The DERII Foundation is dedicated to supporting the health and safety of youth by continuing to equip recreation centers with AEDs. We believe that no center should be without the necessary tools to respond effectively to emergencies. Our work doesn’t stop here—we are committed to expanding our reach and helping more communities safeguard their youth.
About Daniel e. Rumph ii
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Mission
At Daniel E. Rumph II, our mission Dedicated to enhancing heart health awareness and ensuring safety in sports, for a future where every young athlete thrives with a healthy heartbeat.
Our TEAM
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our services focus on promoting heart health in sports through education, providing life-saving defibrillators, and conducting heart screenings for young athletes.
Our Impact
Our Mission
Our Impact
We advocate for safer sports environments and foster community awareness about the importance of early detection and response to heart-related emergencies.
Our focus
Our History
In 2005, the unexpected and tragic death of Daniel E. Rumph II at the Germantown recreation center during a basketball game profoundly impacted his family and community. Suffering from sudden cardiac arrest, his mother, Viola “Candy” Owens, believes a defibrillator could have saved his life. In response, the Owens family established The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation to honor his memory and prevent similar tragedies. Their mission focused on raising awareness about cardiomyopathy, the undiagnosed condition that claimed Rumph's life, and equipping all Philadelphia recreation centers with defibrillators.
After nearly eight years of relentless effort, the foundation achieved a remarkable milestone in 2013, successfully installing defibrillators in all 150 city recreation centers. This accomplishment included a significant federal grant and the donation of old defibrillators by the Philadelphia Fire Department. The initiative, marked by various fundraisers such as an annual basketball tournament featuring top-level talent, has now expanded beyond installation to include cardiomyopathy screenings at these centers.
As the foundation continues its proactive work in heart health awareness and emergency preparedness, the Owens family finds solace in their impactful legacy. The presence of defibrillators across the city stands as a testament to their dedication and the enduring spirit of Daniel E. Rumph II.
Keeping the Beat, Saving Young Athletes
Save The Next Bright Star
"Save The Next Bright Star" is a vital initiative by The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation, dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest tragedies. Our mission: equip recreation centers with life-saving defibrillators and promote heart health awareness. Join us in honoring Daniel's legacy and safeguarding our community's future stars.
We Appreciate You
The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation is immensely grateful to receive the generous $100,000 Philly Legendary Summer Hoops award. This significant grant not only honors our foundation's efforts but also propels forward our vital "Save The Next Bright Star" initiative. The funding allows us to extend our mission beyond installing life-saving defibrillators to also enhancing heart health awareness in our community, continuing the legacy of Daniel E. Rumph II.
Keep The Beat Philadelphia
"Keep the Beat Philadelphia" is our heartfelt tribute to the community's unwavering support in safeguarding young athletes. This page celebrates our collective effort, led by The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation, to maintain heart health and safety in sports, ensuring every young athlete's heartbeat continues strong and steady.
SAVE A LIFE! DON'T TAKE A LIFE!
The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation proudly presents "Save a Life, Don't Take a Life," a dynamic program designed to keep kids off the streets and engaged in meaningful, life-enhancing activities. Our initiative focuses on equipping young minds with vital life skills and training, steering them towards a path of positive growth and self-empowerment.
Capturing Compassion: A Photographic Journey of the Classic's Triumphs
.png/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.png/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.png/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.png/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.png/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.JPG/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.png/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.png/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:370,cg:true)
.png/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.png/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
.png/:/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
Every Heart Counts!
We warmly invite you to support our expanded mission: installing defibrillators in every U.S. recreation center, beginning with the Metro Philadelphia area. Your generous contributions will empower The Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation to continue "Keeping the Beat" for young athletes in Philadelphia and beyond.
IMAGES OF IMPACT: THE WORK OF DANIEL E. RUMPH II IN PHOTOS
-ade0c29.jpg/:/cr=t:6.52%25,l:17.62%25,w:63.56%25,h:84.75%25/rs=w:370,h:370,cg:true,m)
.JPG/:/cr=t:2.17%25,l:0%25,w:97.83%25,h:97.83%25/rs=w:370,cg:true,m)
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
