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Portland Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 11, 2024) – The Trail Blazers Foundation has awarded 15 grants, totaling $100,000, to schools throughout Oregon through its ‘Take It To The Court for Education’ school grant program. The grants will be distributed to schools in nine counties throughout Oregon, reaching from the southwest in Josephine County to the northeast in Union County. For more information, visit trailblazers.com/schoolgrants.

“Celebrating each of these schools and rewarding them for their hard work and tireless efforts to transform opportunities for students is an honor,” said Annie Klug, Trail Blazers Foundation Executive Director and Trail Blazers’ Vice President of Community Programs. “Distributing these grants to schools across Oregon is an exciting process as the Trail Blazers Foundation’s focus is investing in youth where they live, learn, and play. We can’t wait to see the positive impact these grants will have on current and future students.”

School representatives were invited to Moda Center on Saturday for a pre-game celebration with Foundation Board members and Trail Blazers staff prior to an on-court recognition during halftime. Check out photos from Saturday’s celebration HERE (Credit: Portland Trail Blazers).

The grants will directly support a variety of academic, arts, athletic, and community programs. See below for a full list of grant recipients and their respective programs.

2024 Take it To The Court for Education Grant Recipients

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Trail Blazers Foundation Awards 15 ‘Take It To The Court For Education’ School Grants

PORTLAND, Ore. (Feb. 7, 2024) – Join the Portland Trail Blazers in their annual Celebration of Black History on February 10 as they take on the New Orleans Pelicans. The night will be filled with exciting activations highlighting Black culture and impactful nonprofits in Portland.

Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center + Rosemary Anderson High School (POIC + RAHS) is the community partner of the night for their commitment to the success of at-risk youth and adults, providing the highest quality services in education, mentoring, family outreach, employment training and placement. The Trail Blazers will also celebrate the work of Elevate Oregon as the 5050 partner of the night as they build relationships with youth to promote education, self-reliance, and achievement in the Parkrose School District.  Fans can support Elevate Oregon's efforts by participating in the 5050 Raffle, where half of the proceeds will go to Elevate Oregon. 

At Dr. Jacks, fans will get their first sight of the celebration as DJ Ashé spins afro-beats, indie selections, hip-hop, and R&B from all over the world to curate a music experience for guests. Music celebrating Black culture will continue inside Moda Center as DJ O.G. TOO keeps the crowd energized on the concourse and Jordan Sings brings his meaningful pop to the club level.

Before the Trail Blazers compete on the court, the Brown Sisters will take center stage, singing the National Anthem. At halftime, choreographer and dance artist Durante Lambert will bring fans a group of talented dancers to celebrate Black History Month and over 50 years of Hip Hop.

On the concourse, fans will be welcomed by posters of legendary Black leaders selected by the Trail Blazers’ business resource group, the Black Employee Network. Pregame Blaze’s Parade, presented by Polar Beverages, will travel through the Moda Center concourse, joined by Sebé Kan, a West African dance and drum troupe, sharing their movement and sound with guests. The night will also feature live painting on the concourse at A26 by local artist Daren Todd, creating an art piece representing Black history, music and culture. The 360-photobooth returns to celebrate Black History Month and give fans an opportunity to commemorate the night. On the 300 level, guests can put their basketball skills to the test by shooting hoops at C14 with Trail Blazers youth basketball coaches.

In between all the game action, guests can visit Rip City Clothing Co. and check out the retail item of the night in the Rip City Made Collection, which was created in collaboration with local brand Bleached by Josh. The exclusive collection features bleached Rip City Clothing apparel transformed into works of art by Josh Manus, known for upcycling ordinary garments into unique outfits. 25% of all profits from the collection will go to the community partner of the night, POIC + RAHS.

To learn more about how the Trail Blazers are celebrating Black History fans can visit nba.com/blazers/bhm.

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Portland Trail Blazers Host Annual Celebration of Black History Night on February 10

PORTLAND, Ore. (February 2, 2023)&nbsp;– The Portland Trail Blazers have announced the return of the organization’s Youth Basketball Program, Rip City Hoops. The program, shuttered since 2020, returns to benefit youth throughout the Pacific Northwest with basketball clinics and continued support for local coaches and youth.

As part of the relaunch of the program, Trail Blazers players and coaching staff, including youth basketball coaches, will host a comeback Rip City Hoops clinic at the Trail Blazers Practice Facility on Tuesday, February 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Youth from local nonprofit organizations, including Portland Reign Basketball Academy, Y.O.U.TH, and African Youth & Community Organization (AYCO) have all been invited to participate in the clinic and learn from Trail Blazers players and coaches. The event will conclude with a Trail Blazers Trivia session where kids will be joined by Blaze the Trail Cat and Douglas Fur to compete and win prizes.

"I’m excited to welcome the return of our youth basketball program as it’s historically served not only as a space for youth to learn foundational basketball skills but to also develop skills off the court,” said Dewayne Hankins, Portland Trail Blazers President of Business Operations. "Increasing access to sport is integral for the development of Portland youth as it teaches lifelong lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. We're proud to bring this program back and help make a small impact in the lives of the next generation of Rip City.”

“I am thrilled to be a part of bringing back the Youth Basketball program here in Portland,” said Danielle Williams, Portland Trail Blazers Youth Basketball Manager.&nbsp;“Encouraging youth to stay active and how to be a good teammate is so important for their development and the health of our entire community. I cannot wait to positively impact Rip City through our various camps, clinics&nbsp;and other events.”

Our Rip City Hoops Youth Basketball Program is dedicated to providing&nbsp;a safe and fun environment where youth can learn the game of basketball within a respectful and supportive setting. For more information, please visit trailblazers.com/youthbasketball.

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Portland Trail Blazers Announce the Return of Rip City Hoops Youth Basketball Program

This year the campaign is set to reach over $100,000 donated to the American Heart Association

PORTLAND, Ore. (Feb. 1, 2024)&nbsp;– Brooke Olzendam&nbsp;is coming back for a fifth year to share her personal story of loss that fuels her passion for heart health.&nbsp;'Brooke Hearts Your Heart'&nbsp;launched in February 2020 and, in support of the American Heart Association, has educated fans on the importance of heart health, prevention, and education. She will continue her efforts in 2024 by sharing her experience and utilizing her platform to encourage Trail Blazers fans to support the American Heart Association's critical programming with donations.&nbsp; To donate or learn more about heart health, fans can visit trailblazers.com/heart.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This program positively impacted Rip City to act after hearing Brooke’s story of loss. Brooke’s husband Andy, who passed away 10 days after they married in 2010, had a heart attack on a treadmill while working out at age 27. By sharing her personal story, Olzendam&nbsp;has been able to educate and show her support for the American Heart Association during National Heart Month, as well as educating and encouraging others to show their support, with the ultimate goal&nbsp;of saving lives.

Since its start in 2020, Brooke Hearts Your Heart has raised nearly $100,000. In support of Brooke’s efforts, the Trail Blazers have pledged to match up to a $5,000 donation to the American Heart Association this year to help Brooke in achieving her goal and spread awareness about heart health.

“Over the past five years, I’ve been grateful to receive such overwhelming support from Rip City and the Trail Blazers as I work with the American Heart Association to advocate for heart health awareness,” said Brooke Olzendam, Trail Blazers Television Host & Courtside Reporter. “Heart health is important for everyone, and I’m thrilled Rip City can come together and support the American Heart Association and their lifesaving educational efforts.”

This February, fans will have various opportunities to show their support for Brooke and the American Heart Association. This month fans can purchase a limited-edition Brooke Hearts Your Heart baseball hat from Rip City Clothing co in support of the Association. Fans can purchase online or in-store on starting February 1. Fans can also celebrate a successful Heart Month with Brooke by bringing their loved ones to the Trail Blazers home game on&nbsp;February 27&nbsp;as they take on the Miami Heat. Each ticket purchased for the game at BlazersGroups.com/BrookeHearts will give fans the opportunity to take a photo with Brooke post game in support of her efforts with American Heart Association.

Fans wanting to share their personal stories of the impact of the Brooke Hearts Your Heart campaign or donate to the Association can visit trailblazers.com/heart.

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Brooke Olzendam Launches Fifth Year of "Brooke Hearts Your Heart" Program to Promote Heart Health

HBCU To the Pros Night to Feature Special HBCU Band Performance from Prairie View A&M’s Marching Storm, Presented by Alaska Airlines

PORTLAND, Ore. (February 1, 2024) – The Portland Trail Blazers will celebrate Black history throughout the month of February with in-person events, community gatherings, educational opportunities for local youth, digital content, and more as they showcase amazing individuals uplifting the Black community within the Pacific Northwest and beyond. To learn more about the entire month, visit Trailblazers.com/BHM

"We’re so excited to kick off our Black History Month activities after many months of planning,” said Michelle Jalali, Director of DEI, Portland Trail Blazers. “We’ll have events throughout the entire month, including two special game night celebrations, restaurant takeovers, business markets, and more. Best of all, this year we’re doing HBCU to the Pros Night bigger and better than ever thanks to some help from our friends at Alaska Airlines as we fly in the incredible Prairie View A&M Marching Storm Band to give Rip City a small taste of the incredible HBCU experience. Don’t miss any of the amazing moments all month long.”

HBCU TO THE PROS WEEKEND PRESENTED BY ALASKA AIRLINES

The Trail Blazers are teaming up with Alaska Airlines to transform this year’s HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to the Pros Night into an entire weekend celebration of the HBCU experience. Members of the famous Prairie View A&M (Prairie View, Texas) Marching Storm Band, led by Director of Bands Dr. Timmey Zachery, will fly to Portland, courtesy of Alaska Airlines, for a weekend of community interaction, celebration, and education. On Saturday, February 24 the band will perform at Junction Ave – a Black business event hosted by Self Enhancement, Inc. which will feature representatives from Alaska, the Trail Blazers, HBCU’s and local Black-owned businesses. On Sunday, February 25, both organizations will put on a pregame mixer featuring a career panel made up of current professionals who are HBCU alumni and members of fraternities and sororities of the Divine 9. As a final celebration of the weekend and HBCU culture, the Marching Storm will provide Rip City an incredible halftime performance during the February 25 game versus Charlotte.

CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY NIGHT PRESENTED BY TICKETMASTER

On February 10, the Trail Blazers will host their annual Celebration of Black History, presented by Ticketmaster, when the team takes on the New Orleans Pelicans. The night will feature special performances from local Black artists, concourse activations and displays, engagement with community, support for local nonprofits, and more. Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center and Rosemary Anderson High School (POIC + RAHS) has been selected as the Community Partner of the night and will directly benefit from the night’s fundraising efforts. Fans can purchase a keepsake from the night with the special retail item of the night from local Black maker Bleached by Josh.

RESTAURANT TAKEOVERS Rip City can join the Trail Blazers in supporting a pair of the many amazing Black-owned restaurants throughout Portland during the organization’s two February restaurant takeovers. On February 3, join the organization at Po’Shines Cafe De La Soul (8139 N Denver Ave.) from Noon – 2:00 p.m. Later in the month, the Blazers will head to Trap Kitchen (8 NW 6th Ave.) on February 17 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. At each takeover, members of the organization will open a tab to cover the cost of select items for fans, provide giveaways and chances to win prizes. Additionally, a limited supply of special edition HBCU hoodies will be available for purchase at a pop-up retail shop at the Trap Kitchen takeover on the 17th.

Throughout the month, catch amazing videos and social posts showcasing Black leaders throughout the Portland community, within the Trail Blazers organization, and beyond. Some familiar local faces will be seen, including DJ O.G. One, City of Roses Disposal & Recycling, Stony Wines, and more. This content series serves as an opportunity to inform and educate Rip City on the amazing group of Black leaders that reside within our community and help to make it thrive. &nbsp;

Keep an eye out on Trail Blazers social media channels, game broadcasts on ROOT SPORTS, and Trailblazers.com for more information on Black History Month celebrations and opportunities to engage with the organization and community.

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Portland Trail Blazers to Celebrate Black History Past, Present, and Future Throughout February

Created in collaboration with Trail Blazers business resource group, Trail Blazers Asian Pacific Association

PORTLAND, Ore. (January 17, 2024) – Join the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, January 19 as they take on the Indiana Pacers and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage. Throughout the night, fans will engage in authentic cultural activities, from Tahitian dancing to henna, and have the opportunity to give back to local Asian American and Pacific Islanderled organizations.

The celebration will feature two nonprofits making an impact on the Asian American and Pacific Islandercommunity in Portland. The Filipino Bayanihan Center is the community partner of the game for their work advocating for the needs of marginalized Filipinos living in Oregon. The Filipino Bayanihan Center will be highlighted in the arena and receive 25% of the proceeds from the retail item of the night. Fans can also enter the 5050 Raffle, where a portion of the proceeds benefit Ka Aha Lahui O Olekona Hawaiian Civic Club which elevates the voices of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.

Throughout the night, fans will be treated to various Asian American and Pacific Islander-inspired music by local AAPI DJs and talent. Starting in Dr. Jacks fans will hear music by PDX Red Bull Thre3style champion, DJ Playtime, bringing a unique blend of cultural beats to the space. In the arena, music continues as DJ Anjali fills the concourse with future and vintage sounds of the South Asian and Desi diaspora. Additionally, fans on the club level will be treated to the musical stylings of AAPIband Hiroki, comprised of Salvatore Manalo and Matt Brewster.

On the concourse, attendees will find posters of incredibly dynamic AAPI leaders among the arena pillars. Each of these was selected by the Trail Blazers business resource group, Trail Blazers Asian Pacific Association (TAPA).

The sound of drums will signal the nearing of tip-off with flashes of dancing lions by Portland Lee’s Association in Blaze’s Parade Presented by Polar Beverages, traveling through the concourse all the way up to the 300 level. There, fans will find Palvi, owner of Bollywood Henna, sharing the traditional Indian practice of henna by creating temporary tattoos with all-natural paste. Parents can bring their kids to Kid City to learn about the art of Japanese and Chinese origami and try their hand at intricate paper folding.

Proud Asian American, Maxeen Pumealoha Faumui-Thomas, steps onto the court to sing the National Anthem and represent all&nbsp;Asian Americans&nbsp;and Pacific Islanders. In between the action, fans can visit the concourse to capture the night at the 360 photo booth, owned by AAPI business, Memory Box Photography. Rip City Clothing Co will sell merchandise exclusive to the night with a limited collection of three “take the court home” décor created by local AAPI maker, Kevin Bui. The Filipino Bayanihan Center will receive 25% of profits from the “take the court home” collection.

To learn more about how the Trail Blazers are celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage fans can visit nba.com/blazers/aapi.

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The Portland Trail Blazers Celebrate Asian American And Pacific Islander Heritage On January 19

Learn more about our staff's efforts along with many great youth and partners in our community during the 2023 Season of Giving!

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2023 Season of Giving | Trail Blazers Staff Event Recap

On Dec. 20, twenty-one families from seven local nonprofit organizations (Black Parent Initiative, Friends of the Children, Hacienda CDC, NAYA, POIC+RAHS, SEI, and YOUth) were invited to shop at a local Fred Meyer with players and coaches.

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Trail Blazers Host Families for Fred Meyer Shopping Spree

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Moda Health

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