VanVleet, an Auburn graduate who now is a backup point guard for the Toronto Raptors, is forming a nonprofit organization and signed up as a Gold Sponsor of the Thanksgiving week tournament that now is in its fifth year.

It’s just the latest in a list of efforts VanVleet is getting involved in even though he makes Toronto his home most of the year.

VanVleet has been the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau official sports ambassador for the past two years, which included hosting the FVV Fan Fest at the UW Health Sports Factory. Proceeds from that event went to the RACVB Foundation, which helps fund efforts to bring sporting events to Rockford.

VanVleet joins Associated Bank as a Gold Sponsor. Associated has been a major supporter of the tournament for several years. Also returning as sponsors are 23 WIFR TV, the Glenwood Center and The Good Run.

The Radisson Hotel & Conference Center joins VanVleet as a first-time sponsor. The Radisson is hosting a media breakfast for all teams and coaches on Wednesday, Nov. 21. R.