Dwyane Wade: Giving Back to His Sweet Home, Chicago

"Basketball is what I do; it's my job. I don't want it to define me, though."

A bold statement considering it comes from a man who's basketball career could define him as a Final Four player, first round draft pick, All Star, NBA Champion, Finals MVP and Olympic Gold Medalist.

But that's what Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade said is the reason he's in Chicago this weekend hosting a number of community events for his charitable organization, Wade's World Foundation.

Citing his mother as inspiration, Wade said he had wanted to do something to grow his community since he was young, and when his athletic ability afforded him the financial and social platforms to make a bigger difference he immediately stepped up.

Wade started the Foundation his rookie season in the NBA, 2003, and has teamed up with other NBA stars like Alonzo Mourning and Chris Paul to not only bring awareness to social needs in Miami, Chicago and Milwaukee, but also to give back to those communities.

On Thursday and Friday nights, Wade hosted events attended by a number of celebrities, including former Marquette teammates and Heat forward Udonis Haslem to raise money for community organizations.

Before a benefit dinner on Thursday evening, the Foundation presented a check to the William Leonard Public Library in Wade's home town of Robbins, IL.

On Friday, Wade visited a number of public schools in the Chicago area before hosting a bowling event.

"Chicago is home, always will be," said Wade. "No matter where I go [in free agency], Chicago's home."

Saturday, Wade and Gatorade will present the inaugural "D. Wade Chicago's Got Talent," a variety show Wade said is intended to empower kids and give them a forum to use their gifts.

Special Thanks to Dwyane Wade and the Wade's World Foundation for allowing Tab Bamford to interview Wade on behalf of Bleacher Report, as well as attend the bowling event Friday night.