February, 2008 NBA COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD

In recognition of Al Horford’s outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA has honored the Atlanta Hawks’ big man with the Community Assist Award for February.

Horford’s impact on the court has him leading all rookies in rebounding and helping the Hawks’ late playoff push. Off the court, the Dominican Republic native has shown the same dedication, supporting Atlanta-area Hispanic youth groups including the STAR House and La Amistad, where he conducted reading timeouts and donated tickets to Hawks games. In addition, he supports other youth groups through his own initiative, Al’s Amigos.

“Growing up, I realized that some people are less fortunate than others,” said Horford. “Now that I am an NBA player and in a position to help, I have the opportunity and responsibility to make a difference.”

The former University of Florida star also recently met with the Salt Lake Valley Gator Club before a Hawks game against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Horford signed autographs and took pictures with the club, supporting their effort to raise money for the Florida Opportunity Scholarship Fund, which gives a full scholarship to a low-income student who will be the first in his or her family to attend college.

During NBA All-Star 2008 in New Orleans, Horford hosted a basketball clinic with the children from Laurel Elementary School, where he also participated in the dedication of a new mural for the students as well as the renovation of an outdoor basketball court. In addition, Horford visited a group of children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation; competed in the Annual Zo & Magic’s 8-Ball Challenge, which has raised over $750,000 in the past four years for youth endeavors; and participated in the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service before competing in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam.

Horford will receive the David Robinson Plaque, with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.” In addition to the plaque, a $5,000 donation will be given to the STAR House on Horford’s behalf.

The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.


November, 2007 NBA COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD

Dec. 6, 2007: In recognition of Chris Duhon’s outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA has honored the Chicago Bulls guard with the Community Assist Award for November.

Continuing a commitment he made immediately following the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, Chris Duhon announced last month that he was making a personal donation of $100,000 to construct basketball courts throughout New Orleans and in his hometown of Slidell, La. As families are returning to the New Orleans area, recreation programs are limited because of the conditions of the courts and play areas in the communities, so Duhon’s commitment will allow for new places for kids to play throughout the city.

Through his Stand Tall Foundation, which has raised more than $450,000 for the victims of Katrina and aided in the reconstruction of Slidell, Duhon has launched “Operation 21” - a project to refurbish 21 outside basketball courts in New Orleans and Slidell. The project will include five courts in Slidell and the remaining 16 courts in New Orleans, beginning in East New Orleans. East New Orleans is where Duhon played basketball, football, track and baseball at an early age.

JULY, 2007 NBA COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD

In recognition of Dwight Howard’s outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA has honored the Orlando Magic center with the Community Assist Award for July.

Dwight Howard was extremely active in the Orlando, FL community during the NBA season, including providing basketball camp scholarships and purchasing 40 tickets for each game for at-risk youth to have the opportunity to see the Magic in action. Howard’s efforts have continued during the offseason as well, in Orlando and his hometown of Atlanta, GA.

On July 2, Howard made a surprise visit to the Pine Hills Boys & Girls Club which has more than 300 members. The club had been the victim of break-ins that resulted in the loss of a new television and computers. During Howard’s visit he announced he would be donating $17,500 so the Club could replace the computers, purchase a new television, and buy new furniture for the younger children to enjoy.

During his visit Howard also decided to take 75 kids on a shopping spree with each child receiving a $100 gift card to spend on whatever they wanted. That afternoon, Dwight treated another group of kids from the Club to lunch at Chuck E. Cheese’s.

“I think the kids give more to me than I could ever give to them and it just brings a smile to my face to make someone happy,” said Howard. “It’s my obligation as an NBA player to give back whenever I can and it really is something I truly enjoy doing.”

In addition to his efforts with the Pine Hills Boys & Girls Club, Howard also held his Third Annual Howard Basketball Camp during July. The camp, a program developed to strengthen communication in father and son relationships, was held at Atlanta’s Frederick Douglass High School and featured physical training, education and inspirational activities all hosted by guest speakers, community leaders and other professional athletes.

The Dwight D. Howard Foundation, Inc. is a faith-based organization whose mission is to help strengthen family relationships. The foundation’s goal is to bridge gaps that exist between parents and children. Through reading programs, after-school and computer initiatives, as well as adopt-a-child programs, Howard and his parents are committed to strengthening family relationships.

As the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award, Howard will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.” In addition to the plaque, a $5,000 donation will be given to the Pine Hills Boys & Girls Club & House of Hope on Howard’s behalf.

The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.